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SIX VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
LONDON:
R. S. KIRBY, LONDON HOUSE YARD, ST. PAUL'S.
1820.
MR, MATTHEW BUCHINGElRc
Having given the Lives and Portraits of several Original Characters,
2» oi<r First Volume, which zee have the satisfaction to fnd, has been jnost
corcliaUi/ received by the CvKiovs, and the Lovers of Oricih alii v ; in pur^
suanceof the same entertaining Plan, u-e commence our SzcoaOf ivith an Ac-
count and Portrait of the above 5 conimonhj culled,
THE WONDERFUL LITTLE MAN OF NURExMBERG,
IN GERMANY.
JVIr. Buchinger was born June. 2, 1674, without hands,
feet, or thighs. He was the last of nine children, by one
father and mother, viz. eight sons and one daughter ; and
after arriving at the age of maturity, from the singularity
of his case, and the abilities he possessed, he attracted the
attention not only of the Continent, but of this country
also ; the public at that time being anxious to obtain the
likeness of a person, whose abilities seemed peculiarly ori-
ginal, and not less remarkable for his acquirements, tlian
for the singular privations he laboured under, from tlie pe-
culiarity of his formation.
To come to particulars, as co liis capacity, it was re-
marked of him, by his cotemporaries, *' that this little man
performed such wonders as had never been done by any
but himself. It was said, that he played on various sorts of
music to admiration, as the strange flute in consort with
the bagpipe, dulcimer and trun)pet. He was likewise sup-
posed to possess considerable abilities for the mechanics,
having conceived the design of constructing machhies to
play on all sorts of music.
Vol. II. ^ He
8 UNCOMMON ELEVATION IN A BALLOON.
He was no less eminent for writing, drawing coats of
arms, sketches, &c. with a pen ; was an adept at cards* -
and dice. He also performed tricks with cups and balls,
corn, and living buds, and could play at skittles and
nine-pins with great dexterity ; with other particulars, not
less surprising-, in a person so mutilated by nature, as he
appeared to be. — But among the most remarkable of hij>
drawings, is his own portrait ; and as an embellishment in
the delineation of his wig, he most curiously contrived, that
its curls should exhibit in several fairly Avritten lines, tho
fl7th, 121st, 128th, 130th, 140th, 149th, and the 150th
Psalms, concluding with the Lord's Prayer. As another
singularity in his domestic affairs, it is remarkable that
he was married four times, and had eleven children ; viz.
one by his first wife, three by his second, six by his
third, and one by his last. — His whole stature was no more
than 29 inches in height ; the portrait accompanying this
description of his person, was copied from diat drawn bj
himself.
C7«6ww;ww Elevation m a Balloon, at Hamburgh.
JMr. Robertson, whose experiments we have before
heard of, renewed his late attempts about the 7th of No-
vember. This balloon, constructed of taffety, was 30 feet
in diameter, and was filled so as to carry a w^eight of 445
pounds. Mr. Robertson ascended with a friend, having
ballast to the Aveight of 140 pounds. They continued
rising till the barometer stood at 1 2 deg. and they were
supposed to be 3,679 toises, or measures of 6 feet from the
earth. No Aeronauts had ever ascended so high ; nor did
Mr. Robertson, or his friend, even think it possible. — But
here they soon found, that the apathy, inactivity, and
di'owsiness that began to seize upon them Avas inexpres-
sible. Their ej^es were suffused with blood, their lips
swelled, their veins distended, and their pulse beat un-
coiiiinonly hi^h. Their throats, in the next place, became
affected ;
jC galvanic battery, &c. 5
affected ; and they found it very difficult to swallow. In
fact, a degree of numbness and drowsiness, that must in-
fallibly have brought on death, began to gain very fast
upon them, so that if they had not taken the resolution of
fastening a cord round their bodies, by which they could
pull each other heartil}"^ ; and made use of some stimulants,
M'hich they applied, upon the principles of electricity and
magnetism, they certainly must have perished. In the
course of five hours they descended in the Hanoverian ter-
ritory, 78 miles from the spot where they ascended. One
of the birds they carried Avith them was dead, the other was
unable to fly. When at the vast height from whence they
descended, though they spoke to each other veiy loud,
they could hear but with great difficulty. The sun was
no longer of that dazzling brightness in which it appeared
on the earth, being a fine day ; but all the whole circle of
the heavens appeared of a most beautiful blue. Maugre
these difficulties which Mr. Robertson met with, he proposed
making another excursion, in order that he might enlarge
his physical experiments.
A GALVANIC BATTERY AND INFLAMMABLE AIR-PISTOL.
VV HiLE the Philosophers of the Continent are busied with
Galvanic experiments upon the dead, we are glad to find
the subject occupying the attention of some gentlemen of
science in this country, Avith a laudable vieAV of applying
tlie powers of this surprising principle to objects of general
utility. The battery which Mr. Wilkinson, of Soho-square,
has constructed, and by which he some evenings since made
numerous curious experiments, exposes a surface of nearly
30,000 square inches, containing more than a ton Aveicrht
of metal. Gold and silver, till lately considered as indis-
tructible by fire, Avere, by INIr. Wilkinson, together Avith
popper and tin^ deflagrated Avith an uncommon brilhancy ;
» 2 a platina
4 BRUTALITY IN ITS PURITY.
a platina wire, 1-1 0th of an inch thick, was greatly dis-
tended, and fused with a globular form ; steel harpsichord
wire was ignited, and fused into red-hot balls ; brass, cop-
per, and silver, produced the same eifect. On applying
charcoal to the Galvanic apparatus, the most intensely
brilliant light ensued, so luminous in fact, that the blaze
of a patent lamp exposed to it, was so far eclipsed as to be
scarcely distinguishable ; the light continued about ten
minutes, and the Umiinous extremities of the charcoal pro-
duced a most beautiful radiation, rendering every part of
a large room, previously darkened, as light as if exposed to
an unclouded sun. The inflammable air-pistol was, for the
first time, fired by Galvanism, Mr. Wilkinson, among
some interesting observations on the influence of Galvanism,
in the important science of Magnetism, remarked, that the
polarity of any metallic substance, as lately mentioned by
a continental Philosopher, did not appear correct. With
steel and iron ueevlies he had frequently magnetised by
Galvanism^
TO THE EDITOR,
*' Sir,— If the foTIwving Miscellaneous Articles are any waj'S useful to you,,
to be inserted in the Number commencing the Second Volmne of your truly
Entertaining Magazine, they are wholly at your service } and by cemplying^
will, at the same time, greatly oblige your occ^ional Correspondent,
Nottivghamy Dec. 15, 1803. D. B. L."
BRUTALITY IN ITS PURITY,
A Farmer, on Friday evening, January 9th, 1795,
sittins]j amoncn a small circle of his neio-hbours, fuddlins:
their noses over a large fire and a full tankard, in order to
prove the degree of subjection and command he had over
a fine young mastiff (then lying before the fire), took a large
blazing coal and applied it to the belly of the animal; at
the same time ordering him.to lie still, which the poor crea-
ture actually did, until his entrails had nearly appeared ;
wlien
REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF SAGACITY IN DOGS. S
when extreme torture forcing hini to fly, his tender-hearted
master, as a reward for his htleUty, took a gun and imme-
diately shot him. The scene wiicre this singular act of hu-
vianity took place, was at the Robinhood public-house,
near Helsby, in the county of Chester. The authenticity
of which, many of the inhabitants of that place can testify.
TWO REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF SAGACITY IN DOGS.
In the latter end of the month of February 1795, as Mr.
Boustead's son, of Great Salkeld, Westmoreland, was
shepherding upon Great Salkeld Common, he had the mis-
fortune to fall and break his leg. He Avas then at the dis-
tance of three miles from home, no person within call, and
evening ftist approaching. Besides fciie anguish he was suf-
ferine from the fracture, how dreadful must his feelinjis
have been, from the accumulated distress of his situation.
At a moment when distraction was likely to overcome the
powers of reason and reflection, Providence directed him
to the following expedient : — He folded one of his gloves
jn his handkerchief, which he tied round the neck of tJie
do"-, and ordered him home. The do^s which are trained
to an attendance on the flock, are known to be under ad-
mirable subjection to the commands of their masters. The
animal instantly set off, arriving at the house, scratched at
the door for admittance. The young man's parents were
alarmed at his appeai'ance, and more especially when they
took off and unfolded the handkerchief ; concluding, be-
yond a doubt, that some accident had befallen their son,
they instantly went in search of him. The dog needed no
instruction, apparently .sensil)le tliat the chief part of his
duty was yet to be performed, he led the way, and con-
ducted the anxious parent to the spot where their son laid!
Happily this was eiVec.ted before night had set in ; the
young man was brought home, and the necessary aid pro-
cured ;
$ REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF FECUNDITY, &C.
cured ; and he shortly after Recovered. A writer of no
small eminence, says, " There is a moral obligation between
a man and a dog:" in the present instance, that obligation
is very strong, indeed. The shepherd owes his release,
from a situation the most dreadful that can be conceived^
to the wonderful sai?;acity of a faithful doii:.
In the month of June ISOO, as Mr. J. Seaman, of Rupert-
street, was going from the Hay-market to Bond-street, he fell
tlown in a fit ; a crowd of people soon collected : but a
Newfoundland dog, belonging to Mr. Seaman, kept them at
a distance from him, thereby promoting his recovery, by the
jadmlsion of air, and preserving a large sum of money which
he had iii his pockets ; and of wliich, it is probable, he had
otherAvise been deprived. This dog, about two years pre-
ceding the above time, saved his master's life at Ports-,
mouth, when he fell into the harbour ; and, but for th^
exertions of this animal, must have been drowned.
Three remarkable Instances of Fecundity in different
AXIMALS,
j^i. SINGULAR instance of which Avas proved in the Vipef,
on Monday, August 16, 1791, by George Dickinson, a
Labourer, at Edwinstowe, in the county of Nottingham ; he
being at work in a rushy meadow, observed a female vipef
basking in the sun, upon an old bank. He took up a rail
and killed her ; v. hen seeing the belly uncommonly large
for that species of serpent, he opened her down from the
jaw to the tail, with the point of his scythe ; when there
came out 18 young vipers, in full vigour, and snapped at
the scytlic Avith the greatest avidity ; and most of theni
lueasuved eight inches in length : the old viper was two
feet eight inches in lenG,th.
Aa
^
AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE IN SURGERY, &;C, If
An Ewe belonging to J. Horton, Esq. of Elliot's-Hall,
in Warwickshire, which brought three lambs in 1800, and
four in 1801 ; and on the 3d of March 1802, yeaned fivcj
all alive.
In the month of July of the present year, a Sow lie-
longing to Mr. Porter, of Marham, Lincolnshire, had a litter
of 25 pigs, all alive; 18 of which were living a fortnight
after,
AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE IN SURGERY,
riAPPENED in February 1796, in the county of 3Icatli-
Hospital, on the Coomb : — A woman of the name of Sarah
Dillon, who had been pregnant for two years and two
months, underwent the C^efarean operation, and had a full-
grown child extracted, which had not tlic least appearance
of putrefaction. The woman was shortly after discharge^
from the Hospital perfectly healed and Aveil,
Singular Instance of Shells being found under a solid
Stratum of Rock.
In working a stone-quarry, in 1795, belonging to Lord
Dncie, on the road leading from Tedbury to I^ath, tlie re-
mains of a large tree, supposed to be oak, was discovered
\5 feet from the surface of the ground, and under a solid
stratum of rock, several feet thick. Near the tree, which
was of a considerable size, and measured in length 20 feet,
(lying in a Sbuth-East direction,) an oyster, and some other
shells were found. This is one of the singular occurrences
Avhicli confound philosophy, and demonstrate the sup^r-
ficialness of human conception.
REMARKABLE AURORA BOREALIS.
About eight o'clock on Thursday night, the 21st of
October 1791, a remarkable Aurora Borealis was seen,
near
S REMARKABLE HISTORY OF A CANADA GOOSE..
near Mansfield, in the county of Nottingham ; its appeal*-*
ance was that of a Avhite steady hght, without any of those
shooting streams of the electric fluid, which are always seen
in the common Aurora Borealis ; it seemed to extend from
N. E. to S. W. and where it was observed from a high situ-
ation, it formed the segment of a large circle.. There had
been a little frost in the morning, the day was fine, and
the evening perfectly clear. — Tlie wind N. W. ; barome-
ter 30 deir. and thermometer 47 deo-.
A Pig of Lead, 2 feet long, 7 inches thick at top,
3| inches at bottom, and 185 pounds weight, was found in
the year 1795, at Snelbitch, in Shropshire, with the in-
scription, " J. M. P. Hadriani A. V. C. ;" supposed to
have lain there since the reign of Adrian the Emperor, who
died in the year 139, being 1657 years ago, from the time
of bcino; found.
REMARKABLE HISTORY OF A CANADA GOOSE.
The following Stoiy is extreme!)' well attested, and furnishes a very curious
Article in Natural History.
1 HE following account of a Canada Goose, is so extraor-
dinary, that I am aware, it would, with diflicult}^ gain
credit ; was not a whole parish able to vouch for the truth
of it.
The Canada Geese are not fond of a poultry-yard, but
are rather of a rambling disposition : one of these birds was,
however, observed to attach itself in the strongest and
most affectionate manner to the house-dog ; would never
quit the kennel, except for the purpose of feeding, when
it would return again immediately. It always sat by the
dog, but never presumed to go into the kennel, except in
rainy weather ; whenever the dog barked, the goose would
cackle and run at the person she supposed the dog barked
at, and try to bite them by the heels. Sometimes she would
attempt
REMARKABLE HISTORY OF A CANADA GOOSE. 9
attempt to feed with the dog : but this the dog, who rather
treated his faithful companion with indifference, would not
suffer.
This bird would not go to roost with the others at night,
unless driven by main force ; and, when in the morning, she
is turned in the field, she would never stir from the yard-
gate, but sit tliere the whole day in sight of the dog. At
Jast orders were given that she should not be molested, but
suffered to accompany the dog as she liked : being thus
left to herself, she ran about with him all night, and what
js particularly e!xtra ordinary, and can be attested by the
whole parish, that Avhenever the dog went out of the yard,
and ran into the village, the goose ahvays accompanied
him, contriving to keep up with by the use of her wings ;
and in this way of running and flying, followed him all over
the parish.
This extraordinar}^ affection of the goose towards the
dog, which continued till his death, two 3-ears after it was
first observed, is supposed to have originated from his hav-
ing saved her from a fox, in the very moment of distress.
While the dog was ill, the goose never quitted him, day
nor night, not even to feed ; and it was apprehended she
would have been starved to death, had not the orders been
given for a pan of corn to be set every day close to the
kqnnel. At this time the goose generally sat inside the
kennel, and would not let any approach, unless it was the
person that brough the dog's or her own food.
The end of this faithful bird was melancholy ; for when
the dog died, she would still keep possession of the kennelj
and a new house-dog being introduced, which in size and
colour resembled that lately lost, the poor goose was un-
happily deceived, and going into the kennel, the new in-
habitant seized her by the throat and killed her.
A similar affection was observed between a cat aixl a
pigeon, some years ago, at the house of the late Robert
James, Esq. of Putney ; with this difference, that it ap-
c pearod
no FROM hutton's history of derby.
peared to be reciprocal. — What rendered it more extraor-
dinary was, that they were both found one day on the
wall of the garden, and both became domesticated ai
Mr. James's, where they continued to be inseparable
companions, ^^-^.^^-^^^ Carolus.
FROM button's HISTORY OF DERBY.
J\ Regiment of troopers in 1647, in the Parliament
service, marching over St. Marj^'s bridge, in their way to
Nottingham, observed a girl of 15 years of age, a few
yards below the bridge, lading water into her pail, w^hile
standing upon a bating lag, (beating log, upon Avhich the
dyer stands to beat his cloth) ; some soldiery jokes ensued,
Avhen one of them dismounted and cast a large stone, with
a design to splash her ; but not being versed in directing a
stone so well as a bullet, he missed the water, and broke
her head. Alarmed at this unexpected result of his rude
attack, he hastened to the front of the regiment, to avoid
the consequence: Thus, the man who had boldly faced the
enemy in the field, fled with fear from an helpless female.
Nothing disarms like offered injuries. She instantly, with
tears and cries, left her pail, Ment home, when her mother
Ava'i frightened to behold her covered with blood. The un-
known consequences of this adventure, hung heavy upon
the trooper's mind : lie rode in the regiment eleven years
after. — When discharged, the Avorld was all before him,
whei'e to chuse, he fixed on Derby ; followed his occu-
pation, courted and married a young woman. In the
course of their conversations, he proved to be the very man
that cast the stone, and she the woman with a broken head.
They lived in Bridge-Gate, and in harmony about thirty
years : during that period, they produced ten children,
the eldest of whom was my grandfather {the Author), — His
sword, in my possession, w'as drawn for liberty, at Mars-
ton Moor, under the Earl of Manchester ; at Naseby, un-
der Fairfax ; and at Worcester, under Cromwell ; and was
carried in pursuit of the unfortunate Charles, to Boscobel."
T/ic
( n )
The History of the famous Bottle Conjuror, in the
Year 1148 — 9, (now for the first J^ime collected) .• being
the Advertisements, &(c. ti(c, that appeared in all the public
Papers of that Period, relative to that entertaining and
extraordinarij Imposition,
January 12, 1749. — At the New Theatre in the Hay*
market, on Monday next, the 16th instant, is to be seen,
a person who performs the several most surprising things
following; viz. — 1st, He takes a common walking cane
from any of the spectators, and thereon plays the music of
every instrument now in use, and likewise sings to sur-
prising perfection ; 2dly, He presents you with a common
wine bottle, which any of the spectators may first exa-
mine ; this bottle is placed on a table in the middle of the
stage, and he (without any equivocation) goes into it, in
the sight of all the spectators, and sings in it; during his
stay in the bottle, any person may handle it, and see
plainly that it does not exceed a common tavern bottle. —
Those on the stage, or in the boxes, may come in masked
habits (if agreeable to them] ; and the performer, if de-
sired, will inform them Avho they are. — Stage, 7s. 6d.
Boxes, 5s. Pit, 3s. Gallery, 2s. Tickets to be had at
the Theatre : — To becfin at half an hour after six o'clock.
The performance continues about two hours and a half.
Kofc, If an}^ gentlemen or ladies (after the above per-
formance), either single or in company, in or out of mask,
is desirous of seeing a representation of any deceased per-
son, such as husband or wife, sister or brother, or any in-
timate friend of cither sex, upon making a gratuity to the
performer, shall be gratilied by seeing and conversing
with them for some minutes, as if alive ; likewise, if de-
sired, he will tell you your most secret though'ts in voiir
past life, and give you a full view of persons who have
injured you, whether dead or alive. For those gentlemen
c 2 an4
12 THE HISTORY OF THE
and ladies who are desirous of seeing this last part, there
is a private room provided.
These performances have- been seen by most of the
crowned heads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, and never ap--
peared public any where but once ; but Avill wait on any at
their houses, and perform as above, for fiv-e pounds each
time. A proper guard is appointed to prevent any disorder.
The following is an account of the performance, as?
published in one of the ncAvspapers the following day : —
January 13. — Last night the much-expected Drama of the
Bottle-Conjuror of the New Theatre in the Hay-market,
ended in the tragic-comical manner following. Curiosity
had drawn together prodigious numbers. About seven,
the Theatre being lighted up, but without so much as a
-single fiddle to keep the audience in a good humour, many
grew impatient. Immediately followed a chorus of catcalls,
heightened by loud vociferations and beating with sticks •<,
when a fellow came from behind the curtain, and bowing,
*aid, that if the performer did not appear, the money should
be returned. At the same time, a wag crying out from the
pit, that if the ladies and gentlemen would give double
prices, the Conjuror would get into a pint bottle ; pre-
sently ayoung gentleman in one of the boxes seized a lighted-
candle, and threw it on the stage. This served as the charge
for sounding to battle. Upon tliis the greatest part of the
audience made tlie best of their way out of the Theatre ^
some losing a cloak, others a hat, others a wig, and others
hat, wig, and swords also. One party, however, stayed in
tlie House, in order to denjoUsh the inside ; when the mob
breaking in, they tore up the benches, broke to pieces the
scenes, pulled down the boxes, in short dismantled the
Theatre entirely, carrying away the particulars above men-
tioned into the street, where they made a mighty bonfire ;
tlie curtain bcmg hoisted on a pole by way of Hag. A large,
party
FAMOUS BOTTLE CONJUROR. 13
party of the guards Avere sent for, but came time enough
only to Avarm themselves by the fire. We hear of no other
disaster than a young nobleman's chin being hurt, occa-
sioned by his fall into the pit, with part of one of the boxes,
which he had forced out with his foot. It is thouirht the
Conjuror vanished away with the money, &c.
Another account says ; — January 13, — Last night there
was a very numerous and polite modern company of choice
spirits J to see the extraordinary performances of the Hay-
market Conjuror, When the time was elapsed, according-
to his conjuring advertisement, a great uproar was made ;
when one of the conjuring tribe appeared on the stage, and
made a speech ; declaring, among other things of equal im-
portance, that if the gentleman did not appear in a quarter
of an hour, they slwuld hav^ their money returned : but
to the great surprize of the company, their money was
<;onjured away, without any other performance. Imme-
diately a great confusion ensued ; the benches were torn up,
i)onfires were made of them ; and happy were they who
got off safe with their watches, &c. It was reported, that
a great General * lost his sword in the quarrel ; cmii multia
£iliis. ^^^^^^^^
January 13. — Lost, last Monday night, at the Little
Play-house in the Hay-market, a Sword, with a oold hilt
and cutting blade, with a crimson and gold sword-knot
tied round the hilt. Whoever brings it to Mrs. Cheveiiix'3
Toy Shop, over-against Great Suffolk-street, near Cliariiio-.
•cross, shall receive 30 guineas reward, and no questions
asked. -^^^^^^^^
II Inch was antuered by the following Adverti^emtni :
January 18.— Found entangled in the slit of a Lidv's
demolished smock-petticoat, a Gold hiked Sword, of mar-
tial length and temper, nothing worse for wear, with tlie
spcy curiously wrought on one side of tl)e blade, and th.e
(• The Duke of Cumbe/land was there:)
scheld
14 THE HISTORY OF THE
scheld on the other ; supposed to have been stolen fronnf
the plump side of a great Genei'al, in his precipitate retreat
from the Battle of Bottle Noodles, at Station Foot. En-
quire at the Quart Bottle and Musical Cane, in Pottei^'s-
row.
N. B. Every word of a certain late advertisement is
true, except all the advertisement.
January 18. — To the Public. — As I am accused of bein^
accessary to the cheat imposed upon the town, on Monday
night, in the Hay-market, I hope the Public will pardon,
as my reputation and interest are so essentially engaged,
my taking this method to acquit myself of the least concern
in that transaction. Mr. Potter, the Proprietor of the
Play-house, sent me word last week, that the Theatre was
engaged for Monday night ; for what purpose, the Public
were informed in the next day's Advertiser.
On Monday morning I called upon Mr. LeAvis, who is
Attorney to Mr. Potter, and has the direction of the House
in his absence ; I gave him my opinion, that a fraud on the
Public was intended ; and advised him, on no account, to
open his doors. His answer was, that if the man complied
with his agreement, the doors must be opened. I then de-
sired him not to suffer, on any pretence, the man himself,
or any of his confederates, to receive a shilling ; but to
sppoint a treasurer of his own, who might, if the audience
were either disappointed or displeased, return them their
money. This advice he took. I, in confidence of his
promise, told a gentleman near me in the Boxes, who was
clamorous for his money, the measures I had taken for his
security. This is all that I know of the affair ; and to Mr.
Lewis, I appeal for the truth of it in every circumstance.
^^^^^^^^ Sam. Foote.
January^ 19. — To the Public. — Whereas I read an adver-
tisement in this Paper yesterdav, signed Sam. Foote, wherein
h&
i-AMOUS BOTTLE CONJUROft. 15
he makes use of Mr. Lewis's name ; in answer to whieh I
think it incumbent on me to declare, that Mr. Lewis neither
lett, or had any concern whatsoever, directly or indirectly,
in letting, or advising about letting my Theatre on Mon-
day last. w#-^^-#-^^^^ John Potter.
January 19. — To the Public. — All the facts related in Mr.
Foote's advertisement of yesterday, are true, except that
the conversation was with Mr, Lewis's Clerk, Avho is Ne-
phew to Mr. Potter, and transacted the business of the
Theatre for INIr. Potter ; and not Mr, Lewis, as by mistake
■was inserted. ^.^-^^^^.^■^ Sam. Foote,
From Mr. John Potter, the Proprietor of the Ne^i?
Theatre in the Hay-market.
As the resentment of the town for the disappointment of
the performance advertised to be exhibited in my Theatre,
on Monday last, falls entirely upon me, I hope I may be
allow^ed to acquaint the Public with the nature of my case.
It is never yet been expected, (nor I presume is it rea-
sonable) that I should answer for the misbehaviour of any
person that takes my House, nor did I ever think any thing
(in that respect) incumbent on me, more than to caution
the persons who took it, against acting contrary to the
la\vs in being, and to acquaint them witli the consequences
thereof; which I have always done. But in this particular
case, as the performance proposed was so very extraor-
dinary, I was under some apprehension of an imposition,
and therefore insisted, tliat there should be a person of my
own appointment in the Office ; and in case there should
be no performance, or that there should appear any noto-
rious equivocation in it, that the money should be returned ;
all which the person readily consented to. And as he paid
the rent of the house, and must consequently be at some
other necessary expences before the doors would be opened,
I was thereby strongly induced to believe, that he intended
po real imposition, but that something (of that kind) would
be
J^ THE HISTORY OF THE
be exiiibited to the satisfaction of the spectators. All the
caution above mentioned was taken, and the money locked
up in the Otfice, guarded by persons of reputatior*, who
would have returned it ;■ and publicly on the stage tdd
them, that if the person did not appear, their money should
be returned. But instead of accepting ef that offer, my
house Tras pulled down, the Office broke open, the money
taken out, and the servants obliged to fiy to save their lives.
I liope, therefore, this may be deemed a sufficient justification,
iu my behalf, and all that could be reasonably expected of
me : and that those gentlemen who are conscious of having
injured me, will be so generous as to make me a reasonable
satisfaction, considering the damage I have suffered ; which,
which on a moderate computation, will amount to upwards
of o£'400. John Potter.
Note^ The person who took the House, was a man of
genteel appearance, said his name was William NichoUs,.
and directed letters to be left for him at th^ Bedford Cof-
fee-house, Covent-garden.
Jannar}' 20. — Wl>ereas a Letter signed S. M. ; dated
the 18t.h inst. was sent j'csterday by the Penny Post, di-
rected to Mr. Potter, in the Hay-market ; which, by the
contents^ seems to come from the person who took Mr.
Potter's Theatre for Monday last ; wherein he complains
of roucii ill usage, and insists that the man can perform,
the things he advertised, and would have performed them„
and was actually in a coach in order to come, but was in-
timidated by two gentlemen Avho came from tlie Gun Ta-
Tcrn, vv^ho told him he would be taken up if he performed :
And in his letter he threatens, that in case Mr. Potter will
not give him c£22, which he says he was ©ut of pocket,
that he will apply to some Court of Law or Equity, for
justice : He also desires an answer in this paper. — In an-
swer to which, S. M. is desired to appear personally, and
to
FAMOUS BOTTLE CONJUROR, 17
to give an account of his name and place of abode ; and he
shall have such satisfaction as in justice he deserves.
^^^^^^ John Potter.
Jan. 20. — Whereas the Public v;b.s on Monday last basely
abused by an impostor, who pretended to perform what was
impracticable, at the Theatre in the Hay- market; the same
imposition someevil-minded villains imagined John Coustos,
Lapidary, to be the author of: this is to assure the Public,
that the said John Coustos had never such design, nor ever
hired, or caused to be hired, the House on any occasion
whatever ; and to caution those his enemies, who are the
authors of this report, not to assart a thing which they
know to be a gross falsity : And thei;e are those, who are
ready to attest on oath, that he was in their company that
evening, and was at the Theatre as a spectator onlv-
-^^■^-^-^-^ John Coustos.
The following Advertisement tvas inserted, assigning the
reason xihy the Bottle Conjuror did not perform.
"Whereas various stories have been told the Pubhc, about
the Man and the Bottle, the following account seems to be
the best as yet given of that odd affair ; viz. A gentleman
went to him the same evening he was to perform in the
Hay-market, and asking liim what he must have to perform
to him in private, he said £S, on which they ao-reed, and
tlie Conjuror getting ready to go into the bottle, which
was set on a table, the gentleman having provided a parcel
of corks, fitted one to the bottle ; tlien the Conjuror havino-
darkened the room as mucli as was necessary, at last with
much squeezhig got into the bottle, which, in a moment,
tile gentleman corked up, and whipt into his pocket, and
in great haste and seeming confusion, went out of tlie
liouse, telling the servants who waited at the door, that
their master had bewitched him,. and bid them go i-n and
t;ike care of him. Thus, the poor man being bit himself,
y[\. being confined in the botije, and in a gentleman's
o l)ocket.
1$ THE HISTORY OF THE
pocket, could not be in another place ; for he never adver-
tised he would go into two bottles at one and the same
time. He is still in the gentleman's custody, who uncorks
him now and then to feed him, and to let in some fresh
air to him ; but his long confinement has so dampt his spi-
rits, that instead of singing and dancing, he is perpetually
crying, and cursing his ill fate. But though the town have
been disappointed of seeing him go into tlie bottle, in a
few da3-s they will have the pleasure of seeing him come
out of the bottle ; of which timely notice will be given in
the daily papers. ^^^^^^
This Datf is published, (puce Sir-pence, J
A Letter to the Town, concerning the Man and the
Bottk. — Printed for W. Reeves, in Fleet-street ; and A.
Dodd, opposite St. Clement's Church in the Strand.
Thif: Da;/ ore published, {^price Six-pevce,)
The Bottled Heroes; or, Madness and Folly A-la-mode.
Humbly inscribed to Mr. H — g — h, and Mr. G k.
With a humorous Copper-plate Head-piece. By Angli-
canus, M. D. To be had, by the Author's appointment,
of T. Ewart, Publisher, facing Slaughter's Coffee-house,
St. Martiu's-lane ; P. Griffin, in Fleet-street ; and all shops
in Town and Country.
Jan. .30 — This Day at Noon will be published, fprice 6d. plain ; \s. coloured, >
English Credulity ; or, Ye're all bottled : — A humorous
Print. Exactly representing the particular Characters
that attended at the Hay-market Theatre ; together with
their different requests, according to their several stations,
to converse with the Inhabitants of the Lower Resions ;
viz. the Soldier, Engineer, Parson, Phjsician, Fop, Sailor,
Fille de Joye, &c. To which is an?iexed, a Poem, pro-
pex'ly adapted to the subject- — Printed for B. Dickinson,
the corner of the Bell-Savage Inn, Ludgate-hill.
NotCj All the Bottle Prints that have been published,
arc l)y this Print out-bottled.
Jusf-
FAMOUS BOTTLE CONJUROR, 19
Just published, (price Six-pence,)
A IVIodest Apology for the Man in the Bottle. By Him-
self : — Being a full Answer to all that ever was, or ever
will be said on that important occasion. Containing
amongst other curiosities, a particular account of the
Scheme ; some Sketches of a late Minister ; the Year 1720,
with the S. S. Directors ; a Dialogue between Mordecai
^nd a Christian, on Foreign Loans ; the Bottloman's Name,
what, and who the greatest Impostors, and why? the Blind
lead the Blind ; Foreigners most encouraged ; the Bottle-
man not the Aggressor ; Miracles proved ever since the
Revolution, &c. — Ridentan dice e Verum. — Printed for
J. Freeman, near St. Paul's ; and sold by the Booksellers
in London and Westminster.
Feb. 8, — This Day at Noon tcill be published^ f price Six-pence, J
An Apology to the Town, for Himself and the Bottle,
By J. Nick-all. N. B. Mr. P was mistaken in the
name. To which is prefixed, an exact Representation of
the Scene of Harlequin's Escape into the Bottle, intro-
duced in the Pantominc Entertainment of Apollo and
Daphne, or the Burgo^Master tricked ; — the Character of
Harlequin, by Mr. Phillips. — Printed for B. Dickinson,
the corner of Bell Savage Inn, Ludgate-hill.
ftb. 2b— -This Day is published, f price ^d. plain; Is. coloured), a comical Print of
The Bottle Conjuror's reflecting Mirror : or. One Fool
makes many, from the Head to Foot, without Equivoca-
tion.— Sold in May's Buildings, Covent Garden. Where
may be had, The Wheel-barrow Cries of Europe.
Apollo and Daphne ; or, the Burgo-Master tricked. In
v^hich will be introduced, an additional ScQue of the
Escape of Harlequin into a Quart Bottle. — Boxes, 5s.
pit, 3s. First Gallery, 2s. Upper Gallery, Is. To begia
^xagtly at six o'clock.
U ^ - Apollo
20 THE HISTORY OF THE
Apollo and Daphne ; or, the Burgo-Master tricked, Tn
V'hich M'ill be introduced the Escape of Harlequin into a
Quart Bottle. Also Don Jumpedo (though not the origi-
nal) will jump DOWN his own throat ; and (as a new ad-
dition) afterwards jump up again I — Boxes, 5s. Pit, 3s.
First Galler}-, 2s. Upper Galler}'-, Is. — Tickets delivered
out for this night will be taken. Places for the Boxes to
be taken of Mr. Page, at the Stage Door. — To-morrow
will be presented, the Careless Husband ; for the Benefit
of Mr. Leveridge. w#-^-*-^-r-^
Lately arrived from Italy^
Sig. Capitello Jumpedo, a surprising Dwarf, no
taller than a comvion Tavern Tobacco Pipe; who can per-
form many wonderful Equilibres on the Slack or Tight
Rope : likewise he Mill transform his Body in above ten
thousand different Shapes and Postures ; and after he has
diverted the spectators two hours and a half, he M'ill open
his Mouth ■uu'de, and Jump doxim his oxen Throat ! He being
the most wonderfullest wonder of wonders, as ever the
world wondered at, would be willing to join in perform-
ance with that surprising Musician, on Monday next, in
the Hay-i^arket. He is to be spoke with at the Black
Raven in Golden-lane, every day from seven till twelve,
and from two to all day long.
Latehi arrived fi am Et/'iopia,
The most wonderful and surprising Doctor Benimbe
Zammampoango, Oculist and Body Surgeon to the Em-
peror of jMoncemungi, who will perform on Sunday next,
at the Little P in the Hay-market, the following sur-
prising operations ; viz. 1st, He desires any one of the
spectators only to pull out his own eyes, Avhich as soon as
he has done, the Doctor will shew them to any lady or
<Tentleman then present, to convince them there is no cheat,
and then replace them in the sockets as perfect and entire
as ever. 2dly, He desires any officer or other, to rip up
b.is
FAMOUS BOTTLE CONJUROR. 2J,
Kis own belly, which when he has done, he (without any
equivocation) takes out his bowels, Avashes them, and re-
turns them to their place, Avithout the person's suffering the
least hurt. 3dly, He opens the head of a J — of P — , takes
out his Brains, and exchanges them for those of a Calf; the
Brains of a Beau, for those of an Ass ; and the Heart of a
Bully, for those of a Sheep ; which operations render the
Persons more sociable and rational Creatures, than they
ever were in their lives. And to convince the town that
no imposition is intended, he desires no money until the
performance is over. Boxes, 5 guin. Pit, 3. Gallery, 2.
N. B. The famous Oculist will be there, and honest
5 — F — H — will come if he can. Ladies may come
masked, so may Fribbles. The Faculty and Clergy gratis.
The Orator would be there, but is engaged.
January 27, 1748 — 9. — Don John de Nasaquitine,
sworn Brother and Companion to the INIan that was to have
jumped into the Bottle at the Little Theatre in the Hay-
market, on Monday the IGth past ; hereby invites all such
as were then disappointed, to repair to the Theatre afore-
said, on Monday the 30th ; and that sliall be exhibited unto
them, Avhich never was heretofore, nor ever will be here-
after seen. All such as shall swear upon the Book of Wis-
dom, that they paid for seeing the Bottle-Mau, will be ad-,
mitted gratis ; the rest at Gotham prices.
This is to inform the Public,
That notwithstanding the great abuse that has been put
upon the Gentry, tiiere is now in Town a Man, who,
instead of creeping into a Quart or Pint Bottle, will change
himself into a Rattle ; which he hopes -will please ijoth
young and old. If tiiis Person meets witli Encouragement
to this Advertisement, he will then acquaint the Gentry
^vherc and when he performs.
But
22 SKELETON OF THE MAMMOTH.
But not\\ithstaiKling all this exercise of wit and humour
upon the credulity of the times, it seems, a Foreigner stili
thought there was some room left for a further trial ; he
therefore published tlie following advertisement very soon
after, and which we insert, that nothincf mi^ht be wanting:
to shew the extent of some people's efforts, then to avail
themselves of the general disposition of the day.
To- l)c xecn, at Mr.LEAOER's, the Old JTorse-slioCy in Wood-street yCfieapside, from
Nhic (ill Twelve, and from Four to Seven o''Clock, lately brought from France,
A full-grown Mouse alive, confined in a small two-ounce
Fhial, the neck of which is not a quarter of an inch dia-
meter. This amazing Creature hath lived in the Phial three
Years and a half without drink, or any sustenanee, but
bread only. It cleans out its little habitation, and hatb
xyany other pretty actions, as surprising as agreeable; but
particularly creates wonderful diversion Avith a Fly, and is
allowed to be an extraordinary curiosit}^ never before seen
in England ; at the expence of 6d. each Person.
Note, Gentlemen or Ladies who don't chuse to come, it
sliail be carried to them, by sending a line to Mr. Leader,
A Skeleton of the Mammoth, found in Essex^
October 1803.
jjY tlic falling down of a piece of the cliff, on Walton
shore, near Harwich, the skeleton of an enormous animal
was discovered, measuring nearly 30 feet in length. — Some
of the bones were nearlj- as large as a man's body, and six
or seven feet long ; the cavities which contained the mar-
row^ were large enough to admit the introduction of a
man's arm \ the bones, on being handled, broke to pieces.
One of the molar teeth was carried to Colchester, by Mr.
W. Jackson, who took it from the spot, in whose posses-
sion it now is ; it weighs seven poinids, is of a square
form, and grinding surface is studded tvith several zig-zag
vows of lamina', wliich seems to denote that it belonged to.
a car*
DREADFUL INUNDATION AT MADEIRA. 2i
s carnivorous animal, — There were more teeth, which were
unfortunately hroken, one of which weighed twelve pounds.
It is probable that the tusks will be found, by searching
further into the cliff, or amongst the earth which has fallen
down. The above skeleton is supposed to belong to an
animal of the same species as that called, the Manmioth ;
the remains of which liave been found in North x'Vmerica,
Great Tartary, &c, -*-^^-#~^^
DREADFUL INUNDATION AT MADEIRA,
31adciiuy \3tk OcL
1 HE weather had continued fine with us till the end of
September. The wind then changed to the Southward and
^V'estward, attended with much rain. On the 2d October,
the major part of the vessels were obliged to put to sea.
The weatlier continued bad, with occasionally fair intervals,
till the 9th. On the morning of that day I took a walk up to
a place in the neighbourlwod, and returned about eleven
o'clock. — Up to that hour, scarce any rain had fallen ; but
it then came on violently, and rained incessantly for the
remainder of the day. While it was light, no accident
happened ; but, in the course of the niglit, the rivers
swelled prodigiously, overwhelming in their progress a
considerable part of the town.
Tiie river of St. John's, after destroying every thinw in
its course, carried SLway the upper bridge at St. Paul's, and
rose to such a height, as to throw down the Cypress tree at
the church, carrying away the travendas as far up as Capm,
Memuel Henriquez's house on the ascent from the bridoe.
Luckily the bridge attlie Beco das Arenhas escaped. —
About thirty persons are supposed to have lost their Jives
by the overflowing of this river, Avhich carried out such an
immense quantity of stones to sea, as to forU) a sta-t of bay
for boats to the Westward of the Trantcs, and siieltercd
from the wind in that direction. A reniarkubJe circumstance
kippened on this river. In Hying from oiie of the fallin"-
liouses.
24f DREADFUL INUNDATION AT MADEIRA*
houses, a maid-servant dropped an infant from her arms,
■vvhich ^^•as supposed to have perished. Next day, however,
it was found unhurt, on a dry piece of ground, along with
a lap-dog belonging to the same family. The dog was close
by tlie child, and it is imagined that the child was kept
alive by the waraith of the aninmrs body. The river of St.
Lucia, or the Praca, came doM n with the utmost violence.
At a small quinta, or country-house, near the Dean's, Mad.
Lucia Vulpa and eight persons were drowned ; the current
of the river proceeded with the utmost impetuosity, fortu-
nately, however, leaving the buildings standing at Pombal
and Porto Nova, The Valle Verde, the bridge at the
Recedas Fe^rieres, were swept away Avith the greatest vio-
lence: From thence it rolled with increased impetuosityj
sweeping av.ay in its course the whole of the streets.
Tinocnos Piquina, the back part of the houses on the West-
side of the Rua Directa Avere destroyed, and the stream,
after carrying away the Ponte da Piaca, a great part of
Mr. Cock's, and sevei'al other adjacent houses, dis-
embogued itself into the sea by its old channel.
A new channel was formed close by Mr. James Gordon's
house at the Piaca. The number of persons who perished
here cannot be accurately ascertained. Among the persons
of most note, were the family of Jere Ignacio de Sorias,
consisting of eighteen persons, of whom only one Avas saved.
Rilta, Fostei''s relation, Avho, a short time ago, had been
married to his son, also perished. Her body Avas afterwards
found at the Varadoveres, buried amidst the boats, with all
her trinkets and other valuable articles in her pockets.
The Morgyda de Palhas's daughter also fell a victim, and
many other individuals. A boat laden Avith Avine from
Machito, Avith ten men on board, anchored off the Piaca,
and Avas never seen after dark. It Avas of course destroyed
with the crew and cargo.
The river of Joao Gemes distended with, if possible, still
DREADFUL INUNDATION AT MADEIRA. 25
greater violence, carrying with it stones of an immense
size. A little way above the bridge, near the Roxenha, it
broke through the town-wall on the right, carrying with it
every thing till it joined the main branch ; which keeping
to the left, swelled to such a degree, as to level the parapets
of the bridge and the sides of the road several feet above it,
in the direction of Manoel de Santeago's house, though the
arch of the bridge did not give way. It then carried away
almost the whole of the street Des Panguinos, not long since
built ; the wall keeping off the Avater almost the whole length
of the Hospital Velpo, and from the Church of Nra. Sacra
Calhor, except the Tower, and Perlro Mendanca's new
granaries and stores. The bridge afterwards giving way, a
house built by him some years since, and occupied by Mr.
Tatlock's family, was overwhelmed, and every one of the
family perished. A part of the fort and all the adjoining
small houses were either carried away or greatly damaged.
The Rebecccnho swelled prodigiously, and joining the
former river, contributed to increase the mischief, though
its bridge stood. The bridge over the river Gencalo A3'res
was partly destroyed, and rendered impassable. The vil-
lages of Santa Cruz and Machico were more than half swept
away. At the former, three or four, and at the latter,
23 persons perished. Cristeras de Embdos's house was
carried away. Other accidents of the same kind hap-
pened in other quarters ; and though it is impossible to
form an accurate estimate, I think I may safely say, that
two hundred persons at least have lost their lives in the
island.
The British that perished, are Mr. and Miss Tatlock,
Mr. and Mrs. Morris and child, and Mr. Richard Sealy.
The effects of this disaster were extended to the North-East
parts of the island, but to the Westward, they were not
much felt beyond Magdalcna. Betwixt that place and Funchal
M)e rivers did much damage, but only nine persons were
Ji drowned.
26 A SINGULAR DISPOSITION FOR BLEEDING, &C.
droM'ned. The Friarj- at Series de Decs was carried away,
but the Church stood. It will require many years, and all
the attention of our Government, to repair so dreadful a
calamity. Another aocount from Funchal, in the ^
island of Madeira, dated October 15th, says; — " By
eight o'clock in the evening, the three rivers which
pass through the city, had increased far beyond what was
ever known, and made a most tremendous noise, with vast
stones continually collecting, and coming down rapidlj'
with them. Four of the bridges out of seven in the town,
gave May nearly at the same time with a dreadful crash.
A Church, with whole streets and rows of houses, exclusive-
ly of many detached buildings, were almost instantaneously
swept away or laid in ruins, with whole families, and all
their propert}' and effects. The destruction has been dread-
ful, and the loss of lives estimated at 500 in the town and
its vicinity. It appears by the accounts from the different
parts of the island, that this calamity has been general, and
about the same time, though the extent of the damao-e is
not yet correctly ascertained."
A SINGULAR Disposition for Bleeding, inherent in
several Families.
[Related by Dr. Otto, of Philadelphia.]
J_)r. Rush, says this author, has informed me, he has
been consulted twice in the course of his practice upon
this disease. The first time by a family in York, and the
second by one in Nortiiamptonshire, in this State. He
likewise favoured me with the following account, which he
received some years since, from Mr. Boardley, of a famiU'
in Maryland, afilicted with this singular disease..
" A. B. of the State of Maryland, has had six children,
four of whom have died of a loss of blood from the most
trifling scratches or bruises. A small pebble fell en the
nail of a fore-finger of tlie lust of them, when at play^
beino;
AN INSTANCE OF FEMALE FORTITUDE. 27
being a year or two old. In a short time the blood issued
from the end of the finger, until he bled to death. The
physicians could not stop the bleeding, two of the brothers,
still living, are going the same way, they bleed copiously
upon the slightest scratch ; and the father looks every day
for an accident that will destroy them. Their surviving
sister shews not the least disposition to that threatening
disorder, although scratched- and wounded. The father
gave me this account two days since ; but I was not in-
quisitive enough for particulars."
Extraordinary Instance of Female Fortitude.
1 HE followino^ interestinjy account of Mons. and Mad. O,
is taken from Mr. Carr's Stranger in France ; or a Tour
from Devonshire to Paris : —
*' M. O. spoke of his lady with all the tender eulogium
of a young lover. Their union Avas entirely from attach-
ment, and had been resisted on the part of Madame O.
when he first addressed her, only because her fortune was
humble, compared with his. He informed me, and I must
not suppress the story, that in the time of blood, this amiable
woman, who is remarkable for the delicacy of her mind,
and for the beauty and majest}^ of her person, displayed
a degree of coolness and courage, which, in the field of
battle, would have covered tlie hero with laurels. One
wening, a short period before the family left France, a
party of those mmxlerers, who were sent for by Robe-
spierre, from the frontiers whicli divide France from Italy,
and who were by that arch-fiend employed in all the
butcheries and massacres of Paris, entered the peaceful vil-
lage of la Reinc, in search of Mons. O. His lady saw them
advancing, and anticipating their errand, had just time to
give her husband intelligence of their approach, who left
his cliatcau by a back door, and secreted himself m the
E 2 house
28 AN INSTANCE OF FEMALE FORTITUDE.
house of a neighbour. Madame O. with perfect compo-
sure, went out to meet them, and received them in the
most gracious manner. They sternly demanded Mons. O,
She informed them that he had left the country ; and after
enoaoinor them in conversation, she conducted them into
her drawino-room, and regaled them with her best wines,
and made her servants attend upon them with unusual de-
ference and ceremony. Their appearance was altogether
horrible ; they wore leather aprons, Avhich were sprinkled
all over with blood, they had large horse-pistols in their
belts, and a dirk and sabre by their sides. Their looks were
full of ferocit}', and they spoke a harsh dissonant, patois, or
country language. Over their cups they talked about the
bloody business of that day's occupation ; in the course of
which they drew out their dirks, and wiped from their
handles clots of blood and hair. Madame O. sat with
them, undismayed by their frightful deportment. After
drinking several bottles of Champaign and Burgundy, these
savages began to grow good-humoured, and seemed to
be completely fascinated by the amiable, unembarrassed,
and hospitable behaviour of their fair landlady. After
carousing till midnight, they pressed her to retire, observing,
that they had been received so handsomely, that they were
convinced Mons. O. had been misrepresented, and was no
enemy to the good cause ; they added, that they found the
wines excellent, and after drinking two or three bottles
more, they would leave the house, without causing her
any reason to regret their admission. Madame O. with all
the appearance of perfect tranquillity and confidence in
their promises, wished her unwelcome visitors a good night ;
and after visiting her children in their rooms, she threw her-
self upon her bed, with a loaded pistol in each hand, and
overwhelmed with suppressed agony and agitation, she
soundly slept till she was called by her servants, two hours
after the wretches were gone.
SINGULAR
( 29 )
SINGULAR INSTANCE OF INSANITY.
In the village of Bedlington, near Morpeth, in Nor-
thumberland, a very extraordinary instance of insanity,
well worth the attention of the medical philosopher,
has lately occurred. The father of the young man who
is insane, having some time ago experienced considerable
pecuniary difficulties, became at length so reduced in
his circumstances, that he was obliged to work as a
day-labourer. His eldest son was so much affected by
this alteration in his father's affairs, that he grew gradually
melancholy, and at length entirely desisted from speaking
or moving his eyes, hands, or legs. He is put to bed
at night, and fed like a child during the day, without
the least apparent feeling of pain or pleasure. When he
awakes, he walks to the centre of the room, where he
stands all day long immoveable, directing his eyes con-
stantly to the fire; and amidst all the work and bustle
which may be going forward in the house around him, he
is still the same. The position he stands in, is with his
hands linked in each other, and with a downcast melancholy
look ; and if he is forcibly moved from that position, he
resumes it the first opportunity.
A REMARKABLE THUNDER STORM,
Occurred at Batheaston, in Somersetshire, on the 2 1st
Nov. 1 803 ; when the Rev. Mr. Webber and his spouse,
sitting in their parlour, a hail-storm came on, attended with
lightning, and instantly burst open the Avindow shutters. —
The window was shattered to pieces, and two pieces of
slate-stone were driven into the apartment. It appears iJjat
the house was struck in three directions, East, West, and
South. It Avas totally stripped of the thatch, some of
which, by the violence of the wind, was carried to a great
distance. Twelve, out of fifteen windows, were literally
shivered
30 UNCOMMON STRENGTH.
shivered to atoms, and the lead of one of the chamber win«*
dows melted. The roof of a barn, a stable, and several
out-houses, Avere blown in ; and the roof of the church
slightly struck. Many trees torn up by the roots, and one
apple tree carried away 24 feet ftom where it stood. The
lightning continued very vivid, and with very little inter-
mission the W'hole niglit. As a circumstance singularly
coincident with the above, on tlie 27th of the same month
of November, in 1723, there was a similar storm in that
neighbourhood ; when Bishop Kidder and his lady were
killed in the Palace of Wells, by the falling in of one of the
chimnies, which buried them both in the ruins.
UNCOMMON STRENGTH.
C-oUNf Orlow, the Russian Minister, so famous under
the late Empress Catherine, vras at Rome some years
since, when he was much at the house of the Marchioness
Gentili Bocca Padidi; where being one day disposed to
exhibit some of his performances in this way, he took up
several pieces of chrystals, iron, and other hard substances,
which he broke between his fingers with the utmost facility.
He afterwards placed an apple between two fingers only,
and compressing them, the apple bursting immediately,
Hew about the apartment in all directions. Another time,
he made the experiment before the Duke of Glouces-ter,
brother to his Majesty ; and though one of the fragment*)
Hew very forcibly in his Highness's face, and the com-
pany, in general, testified their regret at the circumstance.
Prince Orlow, it was remarked, whose manners were
nearly as brutal as his strength, never attempted the least
apology ; and the relator remarks, that the scoundrel who
liad strangled his own Sovereign, the unfortunate Emperor,
Peter, cou'd not be supposed to entertain much respect
for the brother of a King !
LONGEVITY,
( 31 )
LONGEVITY.
Perhaps no Presbytery in the Church of Scothnd, nor-
?ny Society consisting pf only 29 Members, can produc<}
so many instances of Longevity, as are at present to be
found among the Members of thfc Presbytery of Ayr, — -
Each of the five senior Ministers of the Presbytery, have
enjoyed a Benefice within its bounds more than half a cen-
tury. The dates of their respective ordinations, as entered
on the Presbytery records, are the following : — Rev. John
Steele, Stair, 14th Aug.* 1755, above 68 years ; Rev. Dr,
William Dalrymple, Ayr, 18th Dec. 1746, nearly 57 years;
Rev. Dr. David Shaw, Coylton, 29th June, 1749, above
54 3^ears*; Rev. Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Monkton, 11th
July, 1751, above 52 years; and the Rev. Matthew Big-
gar, Kirkoswald, 5th October, 1752, above 51 years: —
In all 282 years.
The joipt ages of these gentlemen amoimt to 419 years.
The advanced age to A\hich they have attained, affords a
striking proof how much temperance and regularity con-
tribute to prolong the period of human existence. Mr,
Steele is the father not only of the Presbytery of Ayr, but
pf the Church of Scotland.
A SINGULAR CHARACTER.
iVlR. George Crank, of Shrewsbury, died there last
week, (Dec. 19, 1803,) aged 91 years. He was formerly
a Clothworker, and very abstemious, eating very little ani-
mal food, and drinking nothing but water and milk from
his earliest years. He had some innocent peculiarities ;
one of which was, that he never wore a hut, but when he
■was going to church, where he was a regular and devout
attendant, be the weather how it might. He was constantly
present in Court during the Assizes, and before the Mayor
and sitting Justices in the Exchequer ; from whence the
public
32 AN INSTANCE OF TEMERITY IN A CHILD.
public entertained such an estimation of his opinion, that it
was always received with great attention and respect. He
was also a constant attendant upon the new buildings in
Shrewsbiu-v^ erected during the last half century. He died
iiniversallj' respected.
ASTONISHING INSTANCE OF TEMERITY IN A CHILD,
A WELL-DRESSED little girl, about 11 years of age, was
taken before the Lord Mayor, on Monday, Dec. 5, beir^
apprehended on Saturday evening, about nine o'clock,
riding up and down the streets on horseback, without any
saddle or bridle, only a rope round the horse's head.
The constable said sbe would give no account of herself,
nor who the horse belonged to ; that they took her to the
Poultry Compter, and sent the horse to the Green- Yard ;
that she then told them different directions where her parents
Jived, all of which they found to be false; and she still per-
sisting to deceive them, the keeper uf the Compter thought
the only way to find out who she was, was. to let her go
out the next morning, and send a person to follow her :
but she having observed the person, led him a dance of,
five or six miles ; at last she v'ent to her father's house in
the neighbourhood of Grosvenor-square. At the solicitation
of lier mother she was left, on promising to bring her to
his Lordship next day. The mother of this child appeared
with her ; she had a brass collar round her neck, with a
padlock like a dog. The mother told the Lord Mayor, this
little girl had run away so often, and played such tricks,
that they were under the necessity to keep a collar round
her neck, with her name and place of abode ; that on Satur-
day they Avere persuaded to take off her collar, when she
ran away about two o'clock, and they knew not where she
went ; that they had tried to get her into the Philanthropic
Society, but could not.
The
JEMMY TAYLOR; THE SOUTHWARK MISER. 33
The Lord Maj'^or asked the girl where she got the horse ;
she said she found it in Holborn, about five o'clock, but did
not know to whom it belonged. She refused to answer
questions, but did not complain of any bad usage in her
parents. She was threatened to be sent to Bridewell
and flogged, or kept in the Compter for some days,
when she cried, but at last the Lord Mayor told her he
would suffer her to go home with her mother, if she would
promise to behave better ; with which she was so well
pleased that she fell upon her knees, and attempted to kiss
his Lordship for gratitude. The mother was asked if she
thought this child was not sometimes deranged. This, she
said, she was not sensible of; a doctor had examined her,
but he could not find out that slie Avas insane.
JEMMY TAYLOR; THE SOUTHWARK MISER.
1 HIS character, whose penurious peculiarities attracted
so much notice till 1793, when he died, was a native of
Leicestershire ; originally a weaver. — He afterwards be-
came a stock-broker, in which pursuit he is known to have
accumulated o£'200,000. — He, however, fared worse than
the meanest mechanic. His raiment was ragged, his food
indifferent and scanty, and his bed hard ; for he lay upon
nothinc: but raG:s and straw on the bare Hoor, and in a
house which was hardly habitable. Gold was all his de-
sire. His constant prayers were, Oh! Mammon, grant me
more money ! Two bankers clerks once called upon
Jemmy, at his earnest invitation, to tzke. pot-lack with him :
they found the old boy boiling a solitary mutton chop, in
an ocean of water, to make, what he called, some iwiifort-
ablc broth, for himself, and for his old friend, Mr. Daniel
Dancer, whom he hourly expected. After some compli-
mentary solicitations, they prevailed upon him to fetch a
pot of porter ; and while he was gone, they threw three
halfpenny candles and two pieces into his cookery ; which,
no doubt, ameliorated the culinary moss, and made it more
Vol. IL F delectable
34 JEMMY TAYLOR ; THE SOUTHWARK MISER.
delectable to these old hunks, who, from the sequel, de-
voured it with keen appetites. But the next time Jemmy
Taylor met them upon the 'Change, he accused them of
theft and robbery, in stealing his candles. But of this
they cleared themselves, by solemnly declaring, they had
only committed them to the pot, at the bottom of which he
would find the wicks, if his hunger had not swallowed
them. Old Mapps, the itinerant quill and pen merchant,
of Stepney Green, shared also in the friendship of these
saving wights, who were not a little edified with each
other's experience and refinements in the art of living
cheap. Jemmy Taylor always appeared in the streets
with a long stick and clouted shoes, and innumerable darns
and patches in his clothes. He never went to market for
more than a twopenny steak at a time, and this he generally
chose for its savoriness ; an outside piece, grown black by
the wind, and mostly flj'-blown, was his choice ; for he
thriftily observed, " that meat was nothing, unless it smelt
as well as tasted." The people at the Black Horse, in the
Borough, used often to represent to liim his folly in being
so parsimonious and self-denying ; and as he was fast
growing old, observed to him the propriety of indulging
himself a little in comfortable things : but to all idea of ex-
pence, Jemmy Taylor was deaf : his reply used always to
be, " that if his successors had as much pleasure in spend-
in"- his property, as he had in hoarding it up, they need
not complain of their lot in the world." By this obser-
vation, verifying the old adage, that says, •' there is a plea-
sure in madness, which none but madmen know." If parity
of3-ears is the first step to friendship, parity of pursuits
may be said to be the second. Mr. James Taylor knew
all the miserables of the metropolis ; among the most con-
spicuous of whom, he ranked his quondam friends, the two
brothers F I's, of Spital fields. These were likewise
weavers ; and in their time had accumulated, by usury and
sj^eculation.
JEMMY TAYLOR; THE SOUTHWARK MISER. 35
speculation, the enormous sum of =£300,000, which they
kept at interest in the funds, and thereby were always able
to oblige z. friend with any sum at a moment's warning. —
Tliese worthies are lately dead. Previous to tlie tax upon
legacies, they had made wills ; but upon the necessity of
using stamps, they made over their pro]:)erty to their
nephews and nieces, in order to evade the duty, and thereby
saved from Government, into their own pockets, upwards
of ofSOOO. The eldest of these saving ones, ordered a very
old shirt to be put on him but a day before he departed
the world, in order to disappoint the nurse of a good one ;
it being customary to give the things the deceased has on,
to those who have the care of them in their last moments.
Had Jemmy Taylor lived to have heard of the deaths of
these friends of his, he, no doubt, would have very much
approved of these saving contrivances. A short time after
the conclusion of the American war, the Earl of Northum-
berland having occasion for ofl'ljOOO, to make a purchase,
applied to his broker, and appointed a certain day to do
the transfer. At the place and time of meeting, which was
the round room in the Bank, there was posted in waiting
Mr. Taylor, whose appearance was exactly that of a coach-
man's Avatering-man. Upon the Duke's appearance, the
broker brought Jemmy forward to his Grace ; who, not
knowing him, thought he was a beggar that wanted alms ;
but being assured by Mr. Consols, tiiat he was a xcarm^
man, his Grace at last shook hands with him, and Jemmy
accommodated the Peer with the o£'74,000, out of one
stock, in the 4 per cents, where Jemmy usually kept his
largest bulk of cash ; and from Avhence it appeared by the
books, he could have sold out as much more, and yet have
had as much left, as would have made him coiiifortable
all the rest of his days. One day, observing some ladies,
near the Bank, buying some very fine fruit, he kept his
eyes so wishfully fixed upon them, that one, thinking
F 2 him
36 JEMMY TAYLOR; THE SOUTHWARK MISER.
him in gi-eat want, sent him out sixpence, which he re-
ceived with a low bow, and immediately set off, and bought
a twopenny steak, which he brought past the ladies, to let
them see he had not misapplied their bounty. This anec-
dote need not be doubted, as it appeared in the papers at
the time, and all his acquaintance talked of the fact. —
Jemmy, though an inhabitant of a populous city, some-
times exercised the severe virtue of self-denial, in circum-
stances which might have shewn his readiness to accom-
modate the parties that called upon his probity to pay his
assessment of the parish-rates. When the officers Avaited
at the door of his house in King-street, and inquired for
]\Ir. Taylor, they were told, " there was not a soul in the
house." The collector perceiving old Hunks peeping be-
tv.'een the bannisters, replied to the girl who answered,
** that she was quite right, as he could only perceive her
master, who was notoriously well known to be no soul at
all I" In his last testament he forgot all his London rela-
tions : his cousin Taylor, of the Borough, and his nephew,
of the Marlborough, in Bishopsgate-street, were equallj'
unremembered in his will. These can say with truth,
*' he is gone a long journey : he has taken away the bags
of money, and the devil knows what has become of them.'*
Though Jemmy had but little religion in his life^ yet to-
wards his latter end he' discovered some thoughts of an
hereafter. Finding himself ill, and fearing his illness might
finish his days, he sent for the parish officers, the parson,
clerk, and curate, and, after intimating his intention of
rcakino- a handsome bequest, paid them down ofl200 for
their prayers for the rest of his soul ; but this bargain was
not entirely settled until the gentlemen had returned him
twelve months' interest by way of discount — his usual de-
mand for prompt payment ! It appears that his enormous
fortune devolved to tAvo relatives in the country ; whilst
those of his kindred in London, in consequence of being
cut
STONES FALLING FROM THE CLOUDS. 21
Cut off, have, no doubt, altered the tenoi* of their prayers,
in one article at least, by praying for their deceased uncle,
as the Papists pray for the souls of Luther and Calvin.— ~
His name now adorns the donation board of the ancient;
church of St. Saviour, in the Borouah.
Another Imtance of S-tot^-Rs falling from the Clouds,
On the 14th of Nov. 1803, about half past 10 in the morn,
ing, about a quarter of a league from the city of Apt, ia
the department of Vaucluse, in the South of France, a
whistling noise being heard by several persons, for the
space of five or six minutes, which increased as it ap-
proached ; a -woman of the name of Jully, percei\'ed a
black substance descending from the air, and which fell on
the ground in a neighbouring vineyard, on the side of tlie
toad where they then were, and about thirty paces from
them ; the descent of wliich, she and her husband distinctly
heard. Several other persons also heard the Avhistling and
noise at the same time. It Avas afterwards discovered, that
this stone, in its fall, buried itself to the depth of about 10
inches. It was of a black substance, extremely hard,
"Weighing about seven pounds six ounces : — It had a foetid
smell resembling sour milk : — Struck with steel, it emitted
very little fire. In the neighbouring Communes, several
persons tiiought they heard a trembling of the earth on the
same morning ; but nearly at the instant in Avhich it fell,
a noise resembling that of a camion, Avas heard, seemingly
at a quarter of a league distance. After the full of the
stone, the whistling ceased entirely. This stone is now in
the custody of the Prefect of Vaucluse, and kept by liim
for the purpose, as it is said, of making experiments, to find
Out, if possible, from whence this singular j)henomenon
could originate.
aVONDERFUi
( 3S )
WONDERFUL ESCAPE OF LORD WILLIAM STEWART.
The Crescent and Virginia frigates were cruizing off
Goree, on the 10th December 1803. The former being
ordered into port, her Captain, Lord Wiiham Stewart,
went on board the senior officer to receive instruc-
tions, AA hen a sudden gale of wind arising, he, at the most
imminent peril, endeavoured to regain his ship, from whence
he was not perceived to quit the commodore : night com-
ing on, he lost sight of both ships ; the gale increasing to
a perfect hurricane, after three hours tossing and strugghng
in a heavy sea, frequently overwhelmed by its spray, the
water up to the boat*s tbwart and men's tnees, wave after
Wave threatening inevitable destruction, worn out Avith-
fatigue, they calnil}'^ lay on their oars, shook hands with each
other, took an affectionate farewell, waiting that sea that
should consign them to oblivion ; when the Crescent, having
by mere accident totally altered her course, drove imme-
diately upon the boat. So miraculous was then their es-
cape, that before they had well discovered the ship, they
were under her bows, unable to make themselves heard :
the foam of the sea, caused by the ship's velocity, totally
filled the boat ; o]5portunity just offered for the captain and
crqw to cling to the ship's side, Avhen the boat swamped,^
and, fiill of watei", disappeared in an instant.
ANOTHER AURORA BOREALIS,
vVas particularly distinguished in the neighbourhood of
Norwich, on the night of Tuesday, the 29th November.
The light was not variable, as it usually is, and of the dif-
ferent prismatic colours, but of a pale gold colour, fre-
quently approaching to white. The form was sometimes
round, but generally resembled the tail of a comet. About
2 }). 8. South of Lynn, and below it, a bright gold-coloured
meteor, resembling Jupiter, was observed for eight or ten
seconds ;
SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE HUMAN BODY, 39
seconds; and another occurred in an hour afterwards.
These, and several smaller meteors, called shooting stars,
and some faint lightning appeared southerly, and seemed
to approach the direction of the magnetic meridian. Their
lustre must have been very considerable, as it Avas not
effaced by that of the moon, which had just passed the
full.
STRANGE SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE HUMAN BODY,
On the 24th May 1766, Eleonora Kay lock entered the
hospital at Gloucester, to be cured of a pain in her side,
occasioned by three pins, which she had swallowed nine
months before. This pain was on the right side. Three
montlis after, there gathered a tumour near the left shoulder.
It was suppurated and opened, and the three pins came
out by this wound. The case is given by Lysons, Physician
to the liospital, in a letter to Nichols.
A citizen of Besancon, named Conlon, wrote to the
Abbe Bignon, that a young cow, of three years old, belong-
ing to one of his farmers, had had a tumour on its right shoul-
der. The farmer, when he judged it sufficiently ripe, had
opened it, and freed it from a quantity of pus ; but he had
been much surprised to discover in it the end of the blade
of a little knife, which, by the process of nature, gradually
projected more and more. He attempted to extract it ;
but after bringing forward the blade, he found a resistance
which prevented him from obtaining the whole of the ex-
traneous body. This resistance was occasioned by the
liaft of the knife, and he w^as obliged to leave the whole to
natm-e. The blade of the knife remained out of the
wound, sometimes more, and sometimes less ])rojected, ^
and without preventing the cow from bearing two calves. —
Some time after, the extraneous body disappeared ; but it
was not at first known, whether it had entirely come out
and fallen, or whether it returned within ; whb;ther tJic
cow
40) SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE HUMAN BODY*
COW had lain upon it, or whether she had been struck oti
the part. The incertitude did not continue long. — The
cow was seen to waste; and, at length, it died. — The knife
was found within its body ; but the author does not say,
whether in the shoulder it was, in the ann, or what other
part of the body. All that can ha conjectured as to the
arrival of this accident, is, that a little shepherd boy, who
always carried salt in his pocket, of which the cow was
rery fond, had put the knife into her manger, and that she
bad swallowed it.
Vanhelmont giv'es an account of an ear of barley, swal-
lowed before it was ripe, by a child which had put it into
its mouth in play, and which was some time afterwards
withdrawn from a purulent tumour on the right hypochon-
dre, where the ear had acquired a yellow colour. Fernel
records a fact nearly similar.
Volgnad assures us, on the authority of the surgeon of
Duke Frederic William of Altenburg, that a labourer's child
having put an ear of corn in its mouth, and swallowed one
of its awns, an abccss was formed in the child's arm, whence
it was extracted by this surgeon.
Dr. Pierce, of Bath, informs us, that a, lady of twenty-
eight years of age, having died after frequent vomiting
and fever, he opened the body. Besides an abcess in the
pancreas, he observes, which had sphacelated a part of the
stomach and intestines, and doubtlessly been the cause of
the vomitings that she had experienced, he found, in one of
the reins, an extraneous body, which, at first, he had taken
for a stone ; but having washed it, and freed it from the
mucus with Avhich it was enveloped, he found that it was a
little tubinated shell, the cavity of Avhich was filled with a
viscous matter, little different in consistence from the body
of a snail, but of the colour of blood. This little shell had
five or six spiral volutes. The surface was checquered,
and the squares alternately projecting and sunk.
GREAT
( 41 )
GREAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1692.
Jamaica has been always a place i-ernarkable for cartli-
quakes, and, indeed, they are so common, that the inha-
bitants expect one every year. Dr. Sloan gives us the
history of one in 1687, and we have accounts, by several,
authors, of the following, still more terrible, in 1692. In
two minutes time, it shook down, and drowned nine-tenths
of the town of Port-Royal. The houses sunk outright
30 or 40 fathoms deep. The earth opened and swallowed
up the people in one street, and threw them up in another ;
some rose in the middle of the harbour, and yet wei*e saved.
— While the houses on one side of a street were swallowed
up, on tJie other they Avefe thrown on heaps ; and the
sand in the street rising like waves in the sea, lifted up
every body that stood on it, and then suddenly sinking into
pits, and at the same instant a Hood of water break in o- in^
rolled them oyer and over, some catching hold of beams
and rafters, or whatever came in their way. Ships and
sloops in the harbour were overset and lost ; and the Swan
frigate in particular, by the motion of the sea and sinking
of the wharf, was driven over the tops of many house^.
All this was attended with a Itollow rumbling noise, like
that of thunder. In less than a minute, three quarters of
the houses, and the ground they stood on, with the inhabi-
tants, were all sunk under water : and the little part left
behind, was no better than a heap of rubbish. The shock
Avas so violent, that it threw people down on their knees or
their faces, as they ran about to seek a place of safety. The
earth heaved and swelled like the rolling billows, and seve-
ral houses still standir^g, were shifted and moved some
yards out of their places. A whole street was now twice
as broad as before ; and in many places the earth cracked
(Opened and shut, with a motion quick and fast, and of thesi;
Openings, two or three hundred might be seen at a time;
Vol. II. <^ in
42 GREAT EARTHaUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1692.
in some of these the people were swallowed up ; in others
they were caught by the middle, and pressed to death ;
and in others the heads only appeared. The larger of thes^
openings swallowed up houses, and out of some, whole
rivers of water spouted up a prodigious height into the air, ..
threatening a deluge to that part spared by the earthquake.
And besides from all the wells, from one fathom to six or
seven deep, the water flew out at the top with a surprising
and irresistible violence. The whole was attended with
stenches and offensive smells, and the noise of falling moun-
tains at a distance ; while the sky, in a minute's time, was
turned dull and reddish, like a glowing oven. Yet, as
great a sufferer as Port-Royal was, more houses were left
standing in it than on the whole island besides. Scarce a
planter's house, or sugar- work, was left standing in all Ja-
maica. A great part was swallowed up, houses, people,
and trees, at one gape : in the room of which there after-
wards appeared great pools of water, which, when dried
up, discovered nothing but sand, without any mark, that
ever tree or plant had been there ; 2000 people lost their lives ;
and had this terrible scene happened in the night, it is
thought very few would have escaped : 1000 acres of land
were sunk : one Hopkins had his plantation removed iialf a
mile from its place. Yet the shocks were the most violent
among the rocks and mountains, in whose caverns the
matter that produced the earthquake was supposed to lie.
Not far from Yallhouse, part of a mountain, after it had
made several leaps or removes, overwhelmed a whole
family, and a great part of a plantation, though a mile dis-
tant ; and a large high mountain near Port Morant, about
a day's journey over, was quite swallowed up, and in the
place where it stood, nothing remained but a lake of four
or five leagues oVer, The tops of high mountains swept
down with them in their fall, trees and other things in
their way ; and these vast pieces of mountains, with all
their
GREAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1692. 43
their trees thereon, falling together in a confused manner,
stopped up most of the rivers for near 24 hours, till swelling
up, they made themselves new channels, tearing up in
their passage every thing that opposed them, and carrying
with them into the sea several hundred thousand tons of
timber, floating in such prodigious quantities, that they
seemed like moving islands. In Liguania, the sea retired
from the land in such a manner, that for two or three hun-
dred yards the bottom appeared dry, and the fish Avere left
behind ; but in a minute or two's time it returned again,
and overflowed a great part of the shore. At Yalihouse,
the sea retired above a mile. After the violence of these
convulsive throws /were over, those who escaped in the city
of Port-Royal, got on board the ships in the harbour,
where many continued above two months ; the shocks all
that time being so violent, and coming so thick, some-
times two or three in an hour, attended with a frightful
noise, resembling a hollow rumbling thunder, with brim-
stone blasts, that they durst not come on shore. The con-*
sequence of this eartliquake was a general sickness, occa-
sioned by the vast quantity of noisome vtipours belched
forth, which swept away about tliree tliousaud persons.
It is observed at Jamaica, that in Avindy weather there
ne*/er happens a shock ; but when the air is extraordinary
calm, it is always expected : that after rain, the shocks
are generally smarter than at other times, which may be
caused by the shutting up the pores of the earth, whereby
the force is more pent in, and hath not so free a passage to
perspire and spend itself. That since this earthquake, the
land-breezes often fail, and instead of it, tlic sea-breezes
blow all night; a thing scarfcely known before, but since
very common. In Port-Iloyal, and in many places all over
the island, nmch sulphureous combustible matter hath been
found, winch would flame and burn like a candle, upon the
Jeast touch of fire.
(To be continued. J
c 2 A Rat-
44 EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH OF
A Rat-catcher, ^vllo lived at Oxford in 1788, had a
very famous dog ; for some time he perceived that the
animal was very uneasy, and walked inclining on one side.
To relieve him, if possible, he had often examined his
side, but never found any thing that could account for it ;
till one day, when examining him, for the same purpose,
he felt something slightly prick his hand, when getting a
pair of scissars to clip away the hair, he accidentally caught
hold of the point of a needle, which proved a large one,
used for darning stockings, and he drew it out of his
bodv, with a piece of worsted attached to it a yard and a
lialf long. — What was more extraordinary, the dog was
instantaneously cured of the inconvenience he had laboured
under, without any further aj:)plication whatever.
Extraordinary Strength ofDE Courcy, Earl of Ulster ,
in the Reign of King John; which teas the Cause of the
Eamih/ Privilege of being covered bifore the King.
1 HIS privilege appears to have been granted by that
INIonarch, in 1203 ; when John de Courcy, Earl of Ulster,
was supplanted, and lost the King's favour ; Hugh de
Lacy, the younger. Earl of Meath, who was formerly
joined with him in the government of Ireland, alledging he
liad spoken several disrespectful words, highly rcHecting
on the King about the murder of his nephew Arthur,
Duke of Britany in France (whose right to the crown was
before that of King John) ; at which the King being sorely
displeased, ordered the said Lacy, who was then Governor
of Ireland, to seize the Earl of Ulster, and send him pri-
soner to England. Lacy, who was the Earl's grand enemy,
gladly obeyed the command, and several times attempted
to take him by force ; but finding that would not do, he
at last hired some of the Earl's own servants to betray
their master into his hands, v hicli took effect on Good-
Friday, 1203 ; for on that day, the Earl (according to'the
devotion
©E COURCY, EARL OF" ULSTER. ' ' 4j
devotion of the times) was walking unarmed and barefoot,
round the church-yard of Downpatrick, for penance ; Lacy
and his party came upon him imawarcs, and he having
nothing to defend himself but the pole of a wooden croiis
which stood in the church-yard,- was overpowered and
forced to yield, after he had killed thirteen of Lacy's men.
This great Earl, after being thus betrayed, Avas sent prisoner
to London, and after he had been confined some time in
the Tower, a dispute arose between King John, of England,
and Philip, august King of France, about the title to the
Dutchy of Normandy ; which, to hinder the greater eftusioa
of human blood, was referred to two champions to decide :
the French champion was ready, but none of King John's
subjects would answer the challenge ; upon which the King
was informed, that John de Courcy, late Earl of Ulster,
who was then a prisoner in the Tower of Loudon, %vas the
only man in his dominions who could do it, if he would
undertake it : the King being thus informed, sent twice to
the Karl for that purpose, but he refused it each time,
saying, *' Not for him, for I esteem him unworthy the ad-
venture of mv blood, bv reason of the uns;ratefLd returns
he made for my services and loyalty to the crown, in
imprisoning me unheard, at the suit of my rival and enemy,
AiHugh de Lacy :" But the King sending the third time, to
^iw-'iow if he would fight for the honour of his country, he
made this answer; " That for the crown and dignity of the
realm, in which many an honest man livetb, against his
will, (meaning the King,) I shall be contented to hazard my
life." The day of combat being appointed, (in Normandy,)
the Earl's own sword was sent ibr out of Ireland ; but when
the day came, and every thing was ready for the fight,
and the champions were entered the lists, in the presence
of the Kings of England, France, and Scotland ; the
French champion, not liking the strong proportion of the
Carl's body, Jior the terrible weapon he bore in lii? hand,
when
46 EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH OF D£ COURCy.
when the trumpet sounded the last charge, he set spurs
to his horse, broke through the lists, and fled into Spain,
from -whence he never returned. The French champion
thus taking his flight, the victory Avas adjudged to the
Earl of Ulster; but the Kings hearing of his great strength,
and being willing to see some trial of it, they ordered an
helmet of excellent proof, full-faced with mail, to be laid
upon a block of wood, which the Earl with one blow cut
asunder, and struck his sword so deep into the wood, that
none there present but himself could draw it out again ;
which sword, together with his armour, are to this day pre-
served in the Tower of London. After this noble per-
formance, the King restored him to his former titles and
estate, which was valued at that time at 25,000 marks ster-
ling per annum, a vast income in those days ; and likewise
bade him ask for any thing else in his gift he had a mind
to, and it should be granted ; upon which the Earl replied,
he had titles and estate enough, but desired that he and his
successors, the heirs male of his family (after him) might
iiave the privilege, after their first obeisance, to be covered
in the royal presence of him and his successors. Kings of
England, which the King granted, and the said privilege
is preserved in the family to this day. The Earl after-
Avards arriving in England, attempted fifteen several times
to cross the seas from thence into Ireland, but was every
time put back by contrary v.-inds ; Avhereupon he altered
his course, and went into France, Avhere he died in the year
1210, leaving issue by Africa his widow, daughter to God-
frey, King of the. Isle of Man, and of the Western Isles of
Scotland, INIyles his heir and successor.
A HORNED MAN :
In the year 1598, was exhibited for a shew, at Paris, two
months successively, and from thence carried to Orleans,
where
MISS GRAHN, OR DE VERDIO>r. 41
■where he died soon after, — His name was Francis Tro-
villou ; of whom Fabritius, in his Chirurgical Obser-
vations, gives the following description: — "He was of a
middle stature, a full body, bald, except in the hinder
part of the head, which had a few hairs upon it ; his tem-
per was morose, and his demeanour altogether rustic : he
was born in a little village called Mezicres, and bred up in
the woods amongst the charcoal men. About the seventh
year of his age, he began to have a swelling in his forehead ;
so that about the seventeenth year of his age, he had a horn
there as big as a man's finger end, which afterwards did
admit of that growth and increase, that when he came to be
thirty-five years old, this horn had both the bigness and re-
semblance of a ram's horn. It grew upon the midst of his
forehead, and then bended backward as far as the coronal
suture, where the other end of it did sometimes so stick in
the skin, that, to avoid much pain, lie Avas constrained to cnt
off some part of the end of it ; whether this horn had its
roots in the skin or forehead, I know not ; but probably
being of that Aveight and. bigness, it grew from the skull
itself: nor am I certain whether this man had anv of those
teeth which we call grinders. It was during this man's
public exposure at Paris, (saith Urstitious) in 1598, that I,
in company with Dr. Jacobus Facschius, the public Pro-
fessor of Basil, and Mr. Joannes Eckenstenius, did see .md
handle this horn."
An original ar^d circmmtaniial Accoiird nf the late celebrated
Miss Theodora Grakn, ccmmvnlij called Theodora
DE Verdion, Exchange Broke/-, Amanuensis, Teacher
of Languages y ike. bkc. , a Kati-je of Bolin: — Wlio, ever
since her Ilcsidencc in England, appeared onlij in a Mans
Habit.^With her For trait.
[Of
43 ACCOUNT OF THE LATE MISS. THEODORA GRAHN ;
[Of this celebrated Female, of whose real origin, all tlie accounts hitherto
publishfid, liave beea widely erroneous ; we are enabled to present the fol-
lowing particulars respecting her early life, from some Memoirs of her, just
published at Berlin, the real place of her hativiiy.]
1 HIS person was the only daughter of an architect, of the
name of Grahn, who erected several edifices in. the city
of Berlin, particularly the Church of St. Peter's ; and who
died in 1740, at Bayreuth. After his decease, his daugh-
ter returned to Berlin, and resided with a relative. With
much natural capacity, she was proportionayy eccentric in
her manners. She wrote an excellent hand, and had learned
tl>e Mathematics, the French, Italian, and English languages.
Her auiit dying in 1758, she left her a legacy of 1000 rix-
dollars ; v/hieh to improve, she immediately commenced
the business of an Exchantje Broker. Durinfj the seven
years' war, which was very favourable for her occupation,
she did a great deal of business, and was to be seen every
day from one counting-house to another, all through the
city. In dirty weather she began to wear boots, and with
two large bags on each arm, though slie had not then
thrown by the drx?ss of a female, cut a very remarkable
figure. At the end of the war, she had more than doubled
her capital : .she then went again to Bayreuth, in Prussia ;
but when she returned, appeared altogether in man's attire,
dressed like a huntsman : — This was in 1768. — She then,
for the first time, styled lierself, Baron de Verdion, pre-
tending' slic ]iaJ some estates to justify the title. She was,
however, not taken much notice of, till M. Basedow, ajt
the end of \169, commenced his Scholastic Reforms in
Germany. Bcron de Verdion, with other persons of in-.
<rcnuitv, became an entlnisiast in his cause , and in fine^
engati-cd with him as his secretary and amanuensis. Hence,
being shut \\\-> with liim in private, Avhole days together,
it oave occasion to the tongue of rumour, which knew De
Verdiou.
died Juli/ JJ. 21^01.
COMMONLY CALLED DR. DE VERDION. 49
Verdion to be a woman, to fabricate a number of ludicrou.^
tales. Basedow, however, after being compelled to part
with De Verdion, would never admit she was a woman. —
The offence also, which he gave her in this removal, she
was equally as loth to forgive ; and therefore made it her
business more than ever to visit the coffee-houses at Berlin,
there introducing the subject of the dispute between them,
upon every possible occasion , and shewing a letter she had
received from him. At length, some young men belong-
ing to a merchant's counting-house, inviting her to an inn,
took advantage of her inebriation, a vice to which it seems
she was attached in early hfe, and verified her sex bej'ond
all possibility of doubt.
After this untoward exposure, as she could no lono-er
support the idea of remaining at Berlin, she embarked for
England, where she commenced Teacher of the German,
language, under the name of Dr. John de Verdion ; and
after some time, it is said, obtained tlie notice of Madam
Schwellenberg, who came from Germany with our present
Queen ; and who, it is supposed, was well acquainted
with her circumstances and her sex. From this lady, it is
generally supposed. Miss De Verdion occasionally received
pecuniary aid, probably to make up the deficiencies of her
litei'ary exchanges in books, which it will be made to a})pear,
were not so profitable to her as those she made at Berlin,
before her arrival in England.
In her exterior she was extremely grotesque : from her
large cocked hat and bagged hair, with her boots, cane and
umbrella, which she carried in all weathers. The latter of
which she invariably carried in her liand, resting upon her
back. She was a great deal at Kurnival's-inn coilec-house
in Holborn, dining there almost ever}- day. Here thoufh
slie concealed her sex, she could not iielp cxhibitino- her
natural disposition as an extraordinary lover of o-ood eatincr
She would have the first of every thing iu season, and was
Vol. li. H a^
50 ACCOUNT OF THE LATE MISS THEODORA GRAHM ;
as strenuous for a large quantity, as she was dainty in the
quality of v.hat she chose for her table. At times, it is well
known, she could dispense with three pounds of solid meat.
A friend being once in her company, Avas absolutely wit-
ness to her eating eighteen eggs, and a proportionate quan-
tity of bacon, which were all broken into the frying-pan
at once ; as much to the surprise as the entertainment of
her friend, and all that were acquainted with the circiun-
stancc. She was also as much inclined to extravagant
drinking, and once in particular, was so completely intoxi-
cated at Furnival's-inn coffee-house, that being incapable
of walking home, two persons were compelled to assist
lier : but though she never suffered any person whatever
to go into her room, at this time she was necessitated
to miike an exception, or rather, these persons in some
measure intruded tliemselves, in order thatt'iey might then
perform tNe friendly oiiice of undressing her and putting
her to bed : th s, however, they did not complete, nor
whollv gratify their curiosity. But in the morning, find-
ing what had been attempted, slie waited on the master of
the coffee-house, and earnestly requested, whatever might,
happen to her in future, tl^at she might not be again sent
lionie m such a manner ; dreading, as we imagine, froui
what had occurred to her at Berlin, the probable exposure
of her sex. She wouk'l often drink two bonJos of wine at
a sitting, and she has been frequently Icit in the coflee-
house rolling upon the lloor. She was particularly well
known in the Book trade, generally haA'ing her pockets full
of books,- which she used to procure for gentlemen at cofiee-
houses, and her various friends. She also attencicd sales,
and would buy to a large amount, sometimes a coach
load, &c. Here her singular figure generally made her the
jest of the company, and sometimes t!ie object of thetf
waggery. }Icr general purchase at these sales ■\\as odd
volumes : and these she used to carry to other Booksellers
and
COMMONLY CALLED DR. DE VERDION. 51
<a:id endeavour to sell, or chop and cliange for other books.
She was likewise a considerable collector of medals and
foreign coins of gold and silver; but none of these were
found after her decease. At home she was literally her
own servant ; even cleaning her own room ; but this, it is
to be noticed, she always performed in a woman's cap and
bedgown ; and neither in Winter or Summer was slie ever
known to have any fire in her apartments.
A little before her death she complained of the lowness
of her finances, when Mr. Dcnner, the master of the Furni-
val's-inn coffee-house, generously ollered to open a sub-
scription ; but she was very much offended, saying, that if
she chose it, she could apply to the hrst personages in tlie
kingdom. But notwitlistanding this appearance of a high
spirit, she had accepted of various sums of money from dif-
ferent gentlemen, a short time before her death, who then
recommended her to use a more frugal way of living ; —
upon which she replied, that it was impossible for her to
exist under three guineas per week. It was her common
practice towards the latter end of her life, to intrude very
much upon her friends for eating and drinking, upon the
strength of indications and indirect promises of making tlicm
amends, and remembering them in her will. Under a similar
pretence, she also obtained a valuable com from one of her
acquaintances in Stanhope-street,- Clare-niarket. She iiad
been a frequent attendant upon the dr.iwing-room at St.
James's, appearing in full dress, and with a very elegant
sword : this could not be found ut her decease, — She was
so remarkably timid, that being out after dark, she never
cared to go home unattended ; for uliic i she satisfied her
attendants, seldom with money, but mostly with liquor.
Once in particular a^ she, was crossing Lincoln's-inn-fields,
>vhilc some young men were running, yhe laiscd such a cry,
mingled with oaths and invectives as to bring a "rcatnum-
.bcr of people about her. Another evening some young
H 2 gcntlcmcu
52 >nsS CRAHN, OR DE VERDION.
gentlemen wlio knew her foibJes, followed her from tlid
coffee-house, surrounded and jostled her, insisting upon it
that she had picked one of their pockets. To get rid of
this charge she referred tliem to the master of the coffee-
house, who, of course, spoke in her favour, and with Avhich
pretending to be satisfied they went away, highly delighted
with their frolic ; as it had no object but to frighten her,
they having very strong suspicion that she was a woman.
At another time, several gentlemen using the coffee-
house, expressed their positive assurance that she Avas a
disguised female, and their intention to leave the house
luiless she was excluded from the room ; being called to
the bar, and acquainted with this circumstance, she made
no reply but by an oath, that these gentlemen were ' ' Rogues,^
and took no further notice of the matter.
The disorder of a cancer, which terminated the existence
of this extraordinary character, was brought on by an ac-
cidental full down stairs, by which her breast was hurt.
This circumstance she was at length compelled to commu-
nicate to a friend, a German physician, who lived in the
same house, who prescribed for her, when the disorder
turned to a dropsy, and defied all cure.
By her will, dated June 8, she bequeathed all her property
to Mr. Denner, the master of Furnival's-inn coffee-house ;
but upon his taking possession, it proved inadequate to
discharge her bill, merely for eating and drinking, as very
little remained besides her wardrobe. — She was so much
tferrified with the idea of being buried alive, that she made
it a part of her will, to be kept above ground eight da3'S
after her decease ; but this was dispensed with, owing to
the state of her complaint. Till the last she had no ex-
pectation of her speedy dissolution, as she ordered the
making of some new articles of dress, saving she was going
cut, and which came home the day preceding her death.
It was her desire that her funeral should be as little ex-
pensive
^-REAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1692, 5^3
pensive as possible ; and as her will was signed John dc
Verdion, the same was at first engraved on the coffin-plate,
but afterwards altered to Miss De Verdion.
Her remains were deposited in the burying-ground of
St. Andrew's, Holborn, in Gray's-inn-lane, at the age
of 60. — She died at her lodgings in Upper Charles-street,
Hatton-Garden, July 15, 1802.
GREAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1C92.
( Continued froin Page AS. J
The following Letters from the Minister of Port-Royal in Jamaica, serve to
convey an idea of the manner in which the minds of the people oi' Jamaica
were affected under this terrible stroke of Providence.
*' DEAR FRIEND, JllTie 22, 1692.
" I DOUBT not but you have heard of the dieadl'ul cala-
mity that hath befallen this island, by a terrible earthquake
on the 7th instant, which hath thrown down almost all the;
houses, churches, sugar-works, mills and bridges Jn tije
island.
" On Wednesday the 7th, I had been at prayers, which
1 did every day since I was Rector of Port-Royal, to keep
lip some shew of rehgion amongst a most ungodly >and de-
bauched people ; and was gone to a place near the church,
where the merchants used to meet, and where the President
of the Council then was.
" To this gentleman's friendsliip, under the direction
of the gracious and over-ruling will of Providence, I
ascribe my own happy, and I may add, miraculous escape^
for b}' his pressing instances, I was prevailed upon to de-
cline an invitation, which I had before accepted, to xline
T\-ith Capt, Rudend, Avliose house upon the first concussioa
sunk into the sea, and with it his wife, Jiis children, himself
and all that were with him, who every soul perished in tliis
Heneral , this dreadful devastation. Had I been of the Jium-
Jber of his guests, m}'^ fate had been involved in theirs. — •
JBut, to return, wc had scarce dined at the President's,
i)cfore
54" GREAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 1692v
before I t'cit tlie eurtli begin to heave and roll under me-^
Said I, ' Lord, Sir, what's this r ' He replied, very com-
posedly, ' It is an earthquake, be not afraid, it will soon
he over.' But it increased, and we heard the church and
tower fall ; upon a\ hich we ran to save ourselves. I quickly
lost him, and made towards Morgan's Fort, which being
a wide open place, I thought to be there secure from the
falling houses : but as I made towards it, I saw the earth
open and swallow up a multitude of people, and the sea
mounting in upon us over the fortifications.
*' I then laid aside all thoughts of escaping, and resolved
to make towards my own lodging, there to meet death in
as good a posture as I could. From the place where I was,
1 was forced to cross and run througli fwo or three very
narrow streets.- The houses and walls fell on each side of
me : some bricks came rolling over m}- shoes, but none
hurt me. When I came tc mv loclii:inii, I found all thinos
in the order I h;id left them. I then went to my balcony
to view the street in which our house stood, and saw never a
house down there, nor the ground so much as cracked.
The people seeing me, cryed out to come and pray A^ ith
them. When I came into the street, ever}^ one laid hold
on my cloaths, and embraced mc ; so that I was almost
stifled with their kindness. I persupdcd them at last to kneel
down and make a large ring, .which they did ; I prayed
with them near an hour, when I was almost spent with the
beat of the sun and the exercise. The}' then brought me a
chair, the earth working all the while with new motions
and tremblings, like the rollings of the sea ; insomuch, that;
sometimes when I was at prayers, I could hardly keep upon
jny knees.
'' By that time I had been half an hour longer with them,
in setting before them their sins and heinous provocations,
and seriousl}- exhorting them to repentance, there came
some merchants of the })lacej w ho desired me to go aboaixi
some
GREAT EARTHQUAKE AT JAMAICA, IN 169 2. 55>
some ship ia the harbour, and refresh myself, telhng me
that they had a boat to carry me off. I found the sea had
swallowed up the wharf, with all the goodly brick houses
upon it, most of them as fine as those in Cheapside, and
two entire streets beyond that. From the tops of some
houses which lay level with the water, I got first into a
canoe, and then into a long boat, which put me aboard a
ship called the Siam-Mcrchant. There I found the Presi-
dent safe, who was overjoyed to see me ; I continued in it
that night, but could not sleep for the returns of the earth-
quake almost every hour, which made all the guns in the
ship to jar and rattle.
" The next day I went from ship to ship to visit those
who were bruised and dying ; likewise to do the last office
at the sinking of several corps which came floating from
the point. This, indeed,', has been my sorrowful employ-
ment ever since T came aboard this ship : we having hud
nothing but shakings of the earth, with thunder and liglit-
ning ever since. Besides t!ie people being so desperatelv"
wicked, it makes me afraid to stay in the place : for every
day this terrible earthquake happened, as soon as niglit
came on, a company of lewd rogues, whom they CviU pri-
vateers, fell to breaking open warehouses, and houses dc^
serted, to rob and rille their neighbours, while the earth
trembled under them, and the houses fell on some of them
in the act ; and those audacious whores, who remain still
U})on the place, are as impudent and drunken as ever.
" I have been twice on shore to pray with bruised and
dying people, where I met too many drunk and swearing. 1
did not spare them, nor the magistrates neither, who have
suffered wickedness to grow to such a height. I have, T bless
God, to the best of my skill and power, discharged my duty
in this place. In the last sermon I di\livered in the: churcli,
I set before them what would Irc the issue of their impeni-
tence and wickedness .so clearly, that they liavc since ac-
knowledtred
55 GR.EAT EARTHCIUAKF AT JAMAICA, IN 1692,
knowiedged it more like a prophecy than a sermon. I had,
I confess, an impulse on me to do it; and many times I
bare preached in this pulpit things, which I never preme-
ditated at home, and could not, methought, do otherwise.
" The day when all this betel us was veiy clear, and
afforded not the suspicion of the least evil ; but in the space
of three minutes, about half an hour after eleven in the
morning, Port-Royal, the fairest toAvn of all the English
plantations, the best emporium and mart of this part of the
world, rich, plentiful of all good things, was shaken and
shattered to pieces, sunk into, and covered for the greater
part of the sea ; few of the houses are left whole, and every
day we hear them fall.
" I came on board this ship in order to return home ; but
. the people are so importunate with me to stay, that I know
not what to say to them. I must undergo great hardships
if I continue here, the country being broke all to pieces and
dissettled ; but it looks verj' imnatural to leave them in their
distress ; and, therefore, whatever I suffer, I Avould not have
such a blame lie at my door ; so that I am resolved to stay a
year longer.'*
SECOND LETTER.
June 28, 169x'.
^' Ever since that fatal day, the most terrible that ever I had
in my life, I have lived on board a ship ; for the shaking of
the earth returns every now and then. Yesterday we had
a very great one ; but if seems less terrible on ship board
than on shore ; 3'et I have ventured to Port-Royal no less
than three times among the shattered houses, to bury the
dead, pray with the sick, and christen the children. Sun-
day labt I preached among them in a tent, the houses which
remain being so shattered, that I durst not venture in them.
The people are overjoyed to see me among them, and wept
bitteriv as I preaclied. I ho^^e, by this terrible judgment,
God Will n:al^c them rcfornr their lives ; for there was not
i-Kiore ungipdlv people on the face of the eartli.
It
EXTRAORDINARY ACCOUNT OF A SHEEP. 57
** It is a sad siirht to see this harbour, one of the fau-cst
1 ever saw, covered with the dead bodies of people of all
conditions, floating up and down without burial ; for our
burying place was destroyed by the earthquake ; which
dasJied to pieces the tombs, the sea washed the carcasses
of t!iose who had been buried, out of their graves. We
have had accounts from several parts ef this island, but
none suffered like Port-Royal, where whole streets, with
their inhabitants, were swallowed up by t!ie opening of the
earth, which when shut in upon them, squeezed the peo-
ple to death. And in that manner several are left with
their heads above ground ; only some heads the doi^s have
eaten ; others ar(2 covered with dust and earth by the
"people who yet remain in the place, to avoid the stench.
*' Thus I have told you a long story ; and God knows
what worse may happen yet. I am afraid to stay, and
yet know not how, in point of conscience, at such a junc-
ture, to quit my station. I am, Sir, Yours, &c."
TO THE EDITOR.
•' Sir, — Finding my last and former requests compiled witli, to my satis-
faction, it has encouraged me now to offer you other miscellaneous articles
for your acceptance and leave, to be inserted in your next Magazine'" and I
flatter myself, these will add to the numerous and astonishing Accounts with
■which your excellent Publication abounds 3 and you will confer an obli'^ation
on your occasional.Carrcspondcnt,
Kottingliam, Jan.Ci, 1804. D. B. L."
EXTRAORDINARY ACCOUNT OF A SHEEP.
i HE following curious aqd extraordinary circumstance
occurred during the month of January 179G : — A ewe
sheep, big with lamb, the property of Mr. Mulling, of
Hcnstridge, in the county of Somerset, was found dead in
the field, occasioned by her falling into a trench or fur-
row. On opening her, she Avas found to contain six:
lambs, all perfectly formed, but materially differing in
Vol. II. I si2e
58 IKSTAKCES OF ATTACHMEx\T — Fl^CUNDlTY.
size and maturity; one of the couple was as large as
lambs usually are at the time of yeaning, and covered
with wool ; the second couple smaller, and were without
wool ; and the third appeared about half-grown ; from
whence it is probable, the}- were the effect of three sepa-
rate and distinct conceptions.
SINGULAR INSTANCE OF UNWEARIED ATTACHMENT,
In the beginning of the month of November 1803, was
married, I\Ir. Thomas Dufty, a respectable farmer of Ep-
perstone, near Mansfield, in the county of Nottingham, to
Miss Grame, a lady of fortune, in the county of Westmore-
land. The annals of matrimony scarce afford a more sin-
gular instance of unwearied attachment than tlie follo^ving :
The parties were known to each other in their youth, and
became mutually enamoured ; but the unrelenting oppo-
sition of parents broke off the match. Mr, D. found ano-
ther connection, he married and was the father of several
children, and became a -widower. His first love was again
by correspondence renewed, again frustrated. By the
same means he sought consolation in the arms of a second
wife, his family again increased, and he a second time be-
came a widower. His first flame still unextinguished,
once more renewed, and former obstacles being extinct,
After a lapse of 25 years, without ever seeing each other
in the interval, this couple have at length united.
TVrO REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF FECUNDITY.
On the 31st of August 1803, Mary, the wife of Thoniai
Cooke, an industrious cottager, of Haggon-field, near
Worksop, was safely delivered of one boy and two girls^
all fine children. The parents are each in their 46th year,
have had ten children prior to this treble birth, at one time
twins. Their eldest daughter is married, and has had three
children :
A FLOATING ISLAND — AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT. 59
children ; a grandmother is therefore the mother of the
three new-born infants.
To keep pace, however, with the prohfic family above
described, a few days after, Mrs. White, of Thrumpton,
near Retford, Nottinghamshire, was safely delivered of
three children, two giris and one boy, all now living.
A remarkable Floating Island in this Country.
Adjoining Easthwaite-Mater, near Hawkshead, Lanca*
shire, there is a tarn (or small lake) called Priestpot, upon
which is an island, containing about a rood of land, mostly
covered with wdllow' s ; some of them 1 8 or 20 feet high. —
This island is distinguished by the name of The Car. At
the breaking up of the severe frost in the year 1795, a boy
ran into the house of the proprietor of this island, who lived
■within view of it, and told him that " his Car was coming
up the Tarn." The proprietor and his family soon proved
the truth of the boy's report, and b^ield with astonishment,
not " Bernavi-wood removed to Dunsinane P' but the woody
island approaching them with slow and majestic motion. —
It rested, however, before it reached the edge of the Tarn,
and afterwards frequently changed its position as the wind
directed : being sometimes seen at one side of the lake,
■which is about 200 yards across, and sometimes in the cen-
ter. It is conjectured to have been long separated from
the bed of the lake, and only fastened by some of the roots
of the trees, w-hich were probably broken by the extraot-
(linary rise of the water on the melting of the ice.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT,
X HE following Agricultural experiment was made by
Mr. Alsagar^^of Acton Bcauchamp, in Herefordshire. — In
August 1795, he set a single grain of wheat j as soon as it
iis.d properly taken root, he took it up aiid divided it into
I Z several
60 SUDDEN AND VIOLENT INUNDATION.
several parts, and transplanted them. — In August 1796, it
Av as reaped, when it produced 137 ears; the average of
Avhich was 80 grains in each ear ; the total produce 10,960
grains of wheat, besides the straW' , most of which was seven
feet high. This clearly shews, what a prodigious saving
there is even in the common mode of setting, or what is
termed dibbling, in comparison with the general practice
of sowing the seed corn.
SUDDEN AND VIOLENT INUNDATION,
In the beginning of April 1792, the inhabitants of Broms-
grove, were alarmed and distressed beyond description, by
one of tlie most violent and sudden inundations ever known.
Between three and four o'clock, during a storm, accom-
panied with loud and continued claps of thunder, and the
most vivid lightning, a water-spout fell upon tiiat part of
the Lickey which is nearest the town. The pouring down
of the cataract was heard to a considerable distance, and
the body of water taking a direction towards Bromsgrove,
soon swept away every thing before it, laid down the
hedges, washed quantities of grain from barns and rhalt-
houses, destroyed tan-yards ; and so strong was the current,
that it floated tlirough the to\^ n a waggon loaded with
skins. The inhabitants of the place had no time to take
the necessary precautions ; idmost in an instant, tlie cellars
and under-kitchens wei"e filled to the top, and every thing
in them overturned. In a few minutes the water entered
at the parlour sv indows, covered the counters of shops, and
in the principal street it rose and continu*.:d upwards of live
feet perpendicular from the pavement. The horses in
some of the inn-stables, stood up to tljcir tails in water. —
Pigs washed from their styes, were sv/imming through the
passages of the houses situated between the brook and the
principal street ; down which quantities of furniture, brew-
ing utensils, cloathing, shop articles, grain, garden-pails,
wheoi-
ANTlaUITIES FOUND IN LEADENH ALL-STREET. Oi
'wheelbarrows, pigs, dogs, timber, &c. wore carried in one
mass by the iinpotuous torrent. Many of the inhabitants,
vho happened to be at the neighbours, could not that
evening return home. A house on the borders of the
Lickey was thrown down by the force of the water, thiongli
"we do not hear any were destroyed in Brom?grove ; but tiie
damage sustained by the shopkeepers, (and particular! r
hucksters,) was very great. The hedges and other fenced
to fields and gardens on the side of the town, were enurelr
demolished, numbers of sljcep and pigs were drov.ncd ;
and, in addition to tlje calamity, we have to add, tliatsomu
young ciiildren also lost their lives.
Curious Antiquities in Leadenhall-Street.
J. HE curiosities found since New- Year's dav, in di<roii))T
opposite the East India House in Leadenhfjl -street, proved
to be exceedingly valuable. About ten feet below the sur-
face of the street, the workmen finding something hard, it
was immediatel}^ inspected by that respectable antiquarian
IVIr. Wilkins,' by whose directions and assiduity a perfect
urn Avas soon brought out. It contained a quantity of
bones, among which a finger and jaw-bone were plainlv
discernable. A beautiful Roman tesselated pavement was
also discovered ; and by the nice attention of the same
gentleman, on,e piece of about four feet by two, was raised
uninjured. The entire pavement seems to have been a
square of nine feet, in the centre of which is an elegantly
adorned circle of four feet, containing a Bacchus holdinn-
a Mand, and riding on a Tiger ; the figure is in a purple
robe, and the attitude of the beast is very grand ; liis head
looking at the figure o:i liis back, on(! of liis fore-feet raided,
stepping well forward, and the tail extended. Under tlie
able direction of the librarian, there is no doubt of the whole
being rendered well worthy the attention of the antiquarian.
A WOKD^Pv-
( 62 )
A WONDERFUL PRESERVATION.
The ship Actaeon, Capt. Groat, being taken into the Dock
at Hull, to repair the damage she received, in consequence
of having been 1 4 daj's upon a rocky strand on the Island
of Gothland, during her vo3-age from Narva to Hull, a
large piece of rock, ^reighing lODlbs. was discovered fixed
in a plank on the larboard-side, nearly in the midships,
and close to the keel, which dropped out immediately oa
the sheathing being removed, leaving a large opening intO:
the hold. Had it fallen out during her passage, she musfe
inevitably have been lost. — A singular circumstance i^
pientianed in Cook's Voyages.
Longevity. — Seven persons have died in the course of
a few weeks, whose united ages amount to sir hundred and-
seventif-scven years, namely, — Mr. William Shipley, Pro-
jector of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, &c.
89 years — Mr. G. Pudney, Parish Clerk of Kelvedon,
Essex, 90 — Mrs. Fisher, Roydon, Norfolk, 90 — Mrs. Oli-
ver, Vine-street, Piccadilly, 95 — Mr. John Page, Gardener
to the Asyluni, 101 — Mr. John Pusell, at Lanvlhangel, 102
A female Pauper in Manchester Workhouse, 110 — In all
677 years.
ACCOUNT OF JOHN OF KENT.
CJf the atchievements of this subject of antiquity, the
tongue of rumour, in the town of Grosmont, in Mon-
mouthshire, is never at rest. — Old and 3'oung Avomen,
men and boys unite in relating, Avith extreme volubility,
and without any material disagreement, a series of extraor-
dinary tales concerning this wonderful personage ; and
whom they generally believe, had certainly made a com-
pact with the devil.
John
ACCOUNT OF JOHN OF KEXT. €?,
John of Kent, Gwent, or Went, though a scholar and
a Franciscan, following their most celebrated schools at
Oxford, was originally bred at Chepstow, in Monmouth-
shire ; and being once employed by a farmer, and wantuig
to go to Grosmont Fair, it is related that he confined a
number of crows in an old barn without a roof, to Iceep
them from the corn ; and sure enough, says the Tradition,
when Jack came back, they were all there ; for though
thfey made a terrible clatter, they would not fly away till
Jack came himself and broke the spell that confined them.
Kentchurch House, the neisJ-hbourino- seat of the Scudamorc
family, by whom some accounts say, Jack was hired as a
servant, became afterwards the scene of his more marvel-
Jous exploits. — But after he came to maturity, as he built
the bridge over the river Monnow, leading to Kentchurch,
and which is still called John of Kent's Bridge, it is said
to have been done in one niglit, by the help of familiar
spirits.
At Kentchurch House, a cellar was shewn so late as
1801, as the stable Avhere John kept horses, on wliich lie
traversed the air with the speed of Lapland Witches -^ an3
his portrait on wood, painted in oil, is likewise preserved
there.
An old tomb-stone in the church-yard of Grosmont,
close to the East wall of the chancel, is said to cover liis
body ; and the legend reports, that he was buried thereto
evade the compact which he made with Satan, which was,
tliat if he was buried either within or without the thurcli^
he should become his property.
'J'he famil}'^ of the Kentchurches, who liavc been lately
applied to for the true character of this reputed isorcerer
could afford no specific or positive information. Accord-
ing to general tradition, he was a learned Monk, educated
at one of the Universities, and remarkable for his acquire-
ments, which made the vulgar, in an ignorant age, sup-
^cs&
61- A MAN BOHN WITHC'JT LEGS 0?. KNEES,
pose him anotlicr Friar Bacon. As a proof of bis industry sf
it is Icnown, that a Latin Translation of the Bible, on vel-
Lim, cither made, or copied Vj}- him, Avas once in the Kent-
church family ; but has been mislaid or destroyed a long
feimc since.
His other known uorks ivcre, Commentaries on the
jVIastcr of the Sentences — Sermons to the People — and
Disputed Questions. He died iji 1348, in the reign of
Henry V. ; and the Catalogue of the Provincial Ministers,
says of him — " Brother John Went, Doctor of Oxford,
•who Avrought miracles in his lifetime, lies at Hereford."' —
According to others, he was a Bard>of Owen Glendower,
who, on the defeat of tliis chieftain, became domesticated
in the family of the Scudamores ; one of whom married
the daughter of the celebrated Owen.
A MAN BORN AVITHOUT LEGS OR KNEES.
1. HERE is now living in the parish of Ednam, the birtli-
pluce of the immortal poet Thomson, a young man IS years
oC age, "vvho was born without legs or knees, and his tliighs
defective. His father was a day-labourer, but has been'
dead some years : — he sits upon a table in the cottage
through the day, and when the weather is fair, his mother
carries him into a field, where he reads and enjoys the air.
He h:us taught himself to read, to write a legible hand, to
play on tlic flute, to draw.Avith a pencil, although one of
})is arms he cannot raise to his breast ; aiid he attempts
poclrv. He is, notwithstanding the want of exercise, very
}ie;ilthv, alwavs cheerful and contented, though his support
entirely depends on the wages of his younger brother, who
is servant to a respectable farmer at Ednam. He is very
rrrateful to any person v/ho lends him books, drawings to
coDV, or pajs the least attention to him. His diet is ex-
ceedingly sparing. The lameness of one of his legs pre-
* vents
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. G5
Vents him from learning any business to earn his Hving.—
He converses with great propriety upon every subject,
althousfh his articulation is also clefectiv-e,
o
A case similar with the above, occurred some years ago
in the South of France ; where the unfortunate subject hav-
ing neither legs nor thighs, was kept in a kind of case, and
occasionally lifted about. What made the situation of this
person tlie more lamentable, was his being endowed with
an uncommon share of sensibility*, which rendered him
so much the more susceptible of the peculiarity of his
situation. From the smallness of his size, it should be ob-
served, he was deemed a dwarf.
Dec. 14, 1803. Yours, &c. J— s. R— n.
THE. HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
Being an authentic and -particular Account of that mysterious and complicatei
Affair^ ichich has excited so much Curiosity and Conversation ; the Characters
and Appearances of the supposed Spectre, the Circumstances that led to the
Death o/'Thomas Millwood ; the Trial of his Murderer, §c, S^c.
JtIammersmith, it appears, has been disturbed for some
months past, by more than one supposed spectre, to the
great annoyance of the male and female inljabitants. — In
the church-yard, and several of the avenues about tlie
place, it seems that various persons had been very mucli
alarmed, by what they understood to have been super-
natural beinos, whicli had of course filled the minds of
numbers with a variety of' apprehensions ; and these ap-
pearances latterly became particularly troublesome in tlie
lower part of the town, near Dorvell's-row. Sev^eral of the
inhabitants, aware of the imposture, during this time, had
given themselves much trouble to detect it, but without
success. — But on the night of Tuesday, January 3, Francis
Smith, an exciseman, M'ho lodged at Mr. Oakley's ad-
* The poor youth of Ednivm, having a portion of this gift, has published
some very pretty verse?, and in comnjiscration of his case, some well-disposed
persons have lately opened a siibscriptionfor his benefit.
Vol. II. X joining
6* THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
joining the White Hart, in Hammersmith ; bchig at that
liouse on the same evening, and we may suppose, Avarm
over his hquor, vrought liimself up to the resolution of
going in quest of the ghost. — Unhappil}- supposing some-
thing more substantial than a mere airy form, he loaded a
gun, and sallied out with William Girdler, the watchman
of tliat part of Haunnersmith, who had previously agreed
upon a ])ass-.word, wheriby they might distinguish each
other, which was — " Who comes there ?" *' A friend.'*
** Advance, friend." Girdler then continued upon his re-
gular beat, while Smith, that evening, went down Black
Lion-lane. The circumstances that immediately followed,
we cannot exhibit in a clearer point of view, than that of
the ensuing evidence given before the Coroner, and upon
the trial. It appeared before the Coroner, that Smith
took his station in Black Lion-lane, one of the places where
the ghost used to make his escape when hard pressed by
his pursuers. He had not long been in waiting before he
fancied he saw the wished-for object. A figure dressed in
M'hitc (tliat is, Thomas Millwood, the plaisterer, in a white
jacket and trousers) approaching, Smith fired, and the
mistaken object fell to the ground. Millwood was then on
his way to ,a house in the neighbourhood, where his wife
was at work, to fetch her home, which his sister also re^
lates upon the trial : — She said her brother was about 23
years of age, and was a plaisterer by trade. On the even-
ing of Tuesday last, he was at the house of his father, in
Black Lion-lane, with whom the Avitness resides. He left
the house between ten and eleven o'clock, and the witness
l.ieing almost immediately struck with a presentiment that
some accident would befal him, she accordingly went to
the door, and stood on some bricks, in order to look out
for him. She then heard a voice say, " D — n you, who
are you ? — Stand, else I'll shoot you !" and the report of
a gun immediately succeeded. Her brother was perfectly
• sober.
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. C7
sober. The neighbourhood had for about two months been
disturbed with the report of a ghost ; but she did not be-
lieve, nor had ever heard, that her brother had assumed
such an appearance.
INIr. John Lock, wine merchant, in Black Lion-lane, Ham-
mersmith, said, that as he was returning home from the Plouo-h
and Harrow, on the evening of Tuesday last, about half past
10 o'clock, in company with Mr. Geo. Stow, he was accosted
by Francis Smith, one of his Majesty's officers of excise,
■who asked to speak with him. Upon going aside. Smith
informed him that he had shot a man, who he believed to
be the ghost. The witness informed Mr. Stow of the cir-
cumstance, and they accompanied Smith to the place.
They found the deceased lying in a cross lane leading from
Beaver-lane to Black Lion-lane, upon his back, apparently
dead. The wound was under his left under jaw, and tlie
skin of his face was exceedingly black. Smith did not ap-
pear sensible that he had done any thing wrono-, till the
witness warned him of the consequences of such a stew. He
then seemed much affected, and said, that he had spoken
twice, but had received ne answer, and that the ni'o-ht Avas
very dark.
William Girdler, a watchman, said, that he had a slio-lit
acquaintance with the deceased. That the neighbourhood
had been much alarmed for two months past, with the ru-
mour of a ghost walking through Black Lion-lane. That
he went his rounds as usual on Tuesday evening last. That
he had appointed to meet with Francis Smith, in order to o-o
in search of the ghost. They had exchanged a watcli-
word, which they were to use. — ^^Vhen the witness came
near Mr. Stow's house he heard the report of a o-un, and a
few minutes afterwards, as he was going to the White Hart
public-house, he met a young woman, who told him that
he was wanted. Having gone on a little way, he met
^raitb, and asked him what intelligence ? Smith answered,
K 2 very
6$ THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
very bad. They then met Mr. Stow, and went to the place
where the deceased lay. Smith said that he would deliver
himself up ; that he had spoken to the deceased twice be-
fore he tired, but he would give him no answer.
The Coroner summed up the evidence with great abiUty
and humanity , Avhen the Jury, after some deliberation,
returned a verdict of Wilful Murder. A warrant was then
made out, and Smith committed to Newgate.
On Friday, Jan. 13, he took his trial at the Old Bailey,
being charged with "Wilful INIurder.
The first witness called, was Mr. John Lock, who added
very little to what he had said before the Coroner, excepting
that he consulted Mr. Stow, who was with him, going to a
cross lane, called Lime-Kiln-lane, what was best to be done
with the body. They sent for the high constable of the
parish, and it was agreed to remove the body to the Black
Lion public-house. It was evident, upon examining the de-
ceased, that the head was shot just below the lower jaw on
the left side. — The prisoner, tlien he said, wished to surren-
der himself into the hands of justice ; but the witness ad-
vised him to go home to his lodgings.
Mr. Lock, on his cross-examination by Mr. Const, Counsel
for the prisoner, said, that the neighbourhood of Hammer-
smith had been much alarmed for upwards of five weeks
previous to the deatii of Mdlwood, by means of a supposed
"■host. He iiad, however, never seen any such appearance,
but believeil parties went out for the purpose of appre-
liendin?" the person who was assuming the character. —
The night was extremely dark, and the lane in which tiie
imfortunate afi'air occurred, so nmch so, that a person could
not be perceived on the opposite side of it. The witness
said that he had known the prisoner some time ; his dispo-
sition was exceedingly mild and generous, and he was
very much liked in the neighbourhood.
Wilham Girdler, the watchman, corroborated the account
<ri\H.-a
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 69
given by l\Ir. Lock, as to the manner in whicli tlie de-
ceased was found, and stated tliat the prisoner and himself
parted about half past ten o'clock. Just after they parted,
he heard the report of a gun, but did not attend to it, having
been in the habit of hearing guns frequentl}'- fired in the
night. After he had gone his rounds, he went to Mr.
Horner's, the White Hart public-iiouse, where the servant
girl came out tc him, and said that Smith wanted him, who
told him that he had hurt a man ; the witness said he
hoped not much. Smith replied, that he was afraid he had
hurt him very bad.
On his cross-cxamination by ]Mr. Gurney, Counsel for
the prisoner, he said, he heard of the rumour of a ghost,
and had seen it himself on the Thursday preceding the ac-
cident. It was standnig on the opposite side of the road near
to Bcaver-lanc, and was covered either w-ith a large sheet
or tablecloth. He pursued it, and the figure pulled off the
covering and I'an away. The prisoner he described as a good-
tempered young man, certainly not of a cruel disposition.
Ann Millwood, a very genteel young woman, sister of
the deceased, stated, that her brother was at her father's
house about eleven o'clock on Tuesday evening, the 3d of
January. His wife was absent from home, having gone to
Mr. Smith, the out rider ; her mothei and the family were
going to bed, and she requested that he would go and fetch
home his Avife. He was going to bed himself, but at their
intreaties got up and left the house for that purpose. She
then repeated the same circumstances which were detailed
before the Coroner.
Mr. Flower, surgeon, stated, that he examined the body
of the deceased, by order of the Coroner, on the Gth of
January. He found a gun-shot wound on the left side of
the face, just below the under jaw. There were some
small shot lodged in his neck, the size appeared about
No. 4, the shot penetrated the vertebrce of the neck and
injurv-d
TO THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
injured the spinal marrow. This, no doubt, in his mind,
Iiad occasioned his death. The deceased's face was ex-
ceedingly black, and was so in consequence of the powder
which had lodged in it. This gentleman also gave Smith
a good character, and said his disposition was far from
being vindictive.
William Brooks, the constable, stated his apprehension
of Smith at his lodgings, who had voluntarily come down
when he knocked at the door, and surrendered himself. — •
He also bore testimony to liis good character j and here the
evidence for the prosecution closed.
The Lord Chief Baron then informed die prisoner, that
he might cfier any thing he had in his defence to the
charge.
The prisoner saying he left his defence to his Counsel;
The Lord Ciiicf Baron informed him, that his Counsel
could only examine the witnesses, and that if he wished to
say any thing, he must address the Court himself. .
The prisoner then, in extreme agitation, said, that when
he went out from Jiome, it was with a very good intention ;
an intention of iinding out the person who had alarmed the
niiighbourhood, by assuming a supernatural appearance ;
that meeting with the deceased, and having called to him
twice, and not receiving an answer, he was very much
frightened, and knew not what he did. He must most
solemnly declare liis innocence with respect to any inten-
tion of taking away the life of the unfortunate man, or any
man whatsoever.
His Counsel then proceeded to call the witnesses on liis
behalf; the first,
Mrs. Fullbrook, a relation of the deceased, stated, she
resided in the same house with him ; and on Saturday pre-
ceding his death, being at home together, he informed her,
that two ladies and a gentleman, on account of the dress
he wore, had been frightened at him on the Ten-ace. —
One
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 11
One of them cried as be came near, *' There goes the
ghost !" To which he repHed, using a bad oath, " I am
no more a ghost than yourself ; do you want a punch o' the
head ?" On this account she had advised him to put on a
great coat to screen himself from danger ; but he "would
not attend to the suggestions of the witness, observing there
was no danger.
Thomas Groom, servant to Mr. Burgess, a brewer at
Hammersmith, stated, that he heard a great talk about the
ghost ; that one night he was passing through, the church-
yard, when some pcrsca caught h'nn fast by the throat,
and on his calling out for assistance to his fellow servant,
w ho was a short distance from him, the latter turned back,
but the}' could not see any tiling.
Mr. George Stow, Mr. Hill, Mr. Rult, !\Ir. BoswcU,
]\Ir. Dowding, and several other very respectable persons,
were called ; they all concurred in giving him the best of
characters.
Mr. Millwood, cousin to the deceased, spoke in the same
terms of the prisoner, and said that they had no quarrel
with each otlier as far as he knew.
The Lord Chief Baron then charged the Jury. The
prisoner, he observed, stood indicted for the murder of
Thomas Millwood, by shooting him with a gun, so as to
bruise his head, injure the spinal marrow of his back, and
produce instant death. It would be necessary for him to
state, that although to constitute the crime of murder, it
was generally requisite that malice propcnsc sliould be
proved, yet it was not absolutely so in all cases. 1'he law
did not of necessity imply, that where a person met with iiis
death from the hands of another, that malice, or what was
called in vulgar speaking, spite, should be proved. Thd dis-
position of a pcrsoii's viind to kill xcas sn(jii:iL'nt , in the eye of
the law to adjudge him guilty of murder. For instance, if
one person should have taken it into his liead to fire into
the
72 THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
the very hall in which the Court was sitting, and kill any
one in tlic Conrt, then he wonld be guilty oi murder. So,
in another case, if a person should shoot at one man and kill
another, he would be equally guilty. The law would con-
sider his disposition of mind, which was evidently to kill,
without having legal authoritj-, just provocation, in self-
defence, or in the absence of his reasoning facult}'. There
were oronnds of miti";ation Avhich would serve to lessen the
crime. His Lordship professed; that he could not, in the
case now before the Court for its consideration, distinguish
any one of these features of alleviation or mitigation ;
therefore, if the prisoner at the bar, had taken aw ay the
life of another, without authority, permission, or in de-
fence of his own life, then his ofience Avent to murder. —
If it was not so, no one person could be safe. It would be
in the power of any one to say, such and such a one has
committed some oflerice which I think deserves death, and
I will go and dispatch him. It would, indeed, be grievous
if such proceedings were to be tolerated — -because some
"wicked and malicious person, taking advantage of tl)e cre-
dulity which belonged to a great portion of mankind, had
committed a misdemeanour, in going about in an impious
manner, assuming the appearance of a supernatural agent,
was another person to sav, " I will go and deliberately
shoot that man w ho frightens the peaceable neighbour-
liood." Certainl}^ not. All that he could be authorised to
do, would be to apprehend him for that misdemeanour. —
Even if the very person appearing in this manner as a
ghost had been killed, such killing was mui'der. But here
a man thought he had a right to go and kill any person lie
saw in a light coloured coat. This was actually the case
with the prisoner at the bar. He went out Avith a loaded
gun, intending to kill, contrary to law, and killed a man
who was perfectly innocent. " Gentlemen," continued
his Lordship, '* I should be betraying my duty as a Judge,
and
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 73
and acting contrarv to the opinion of my Brother Judges
near me, if I did not toll you that this act of the prisoner's,
provided you believe the facts given in evidence, amounts
to notliing less than murder. In this case there was no ac-
cident ; there was no sudden or violent provocation ; nor
"was there any attempt made on the part of the prisoner to
apprehend the supposed ghost. — He went and thought
himself entitled to kill that person ; and with a degree of
rashness, which the law would never allow, he killed another
person. The crime w^oidd admit of alleviation or excuse,
and might be denominated manslaughter, if some of these
cases which he had before enumerated had occurred, nameh',
such as authority from the law% or self-defence. With
what view the prisoner fired he knew not, but certainly it
"was with a great deal of rashness. In his defence he had im-
puted his conduct to apprehension and fear, but what had
been the consequence, the death of an innocent and un-
offending person. All the Jur}^ had to consider in the case,
was the veracity of the witnesses, if they believed them, they
would find tlie prisoner guilty. Whatever else might be
drawn from the case was fit for a higher tribunal. His
Lordship then recapitulated the evidence for the prosecution
and the prisoner, and observed, that the character Avhich
had been given of him Avould be of no avail here, however
painful, the}' must do their duty, and in conformity to the
sacred oath which thev had taken, o-ive a verdict according
to the facts laid before them, under sanction of the law."
The Jury retired for upwards of one hour, and on their .
return delivered a Verdict of — Guillij of Manslaughter.
The Lord Chief Baron informed them, tliat the Court
could not receive sucli a verdict, and they were bound by
the solemn obligation which they had taken, to decide ac-
cording to the facts. If they believed t!ie evidence, their
verdict must be guillij ; or il the}' discredited the witnesses,
they would acquit the prisoner. Tlie law he had clearly
Vol. II. L laid
74 THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
laid down, and by that they must abide. It -was not foi*
them to assume the King's prerogative, and mitigate the
punishment.
Mr. Justice Rooke was of the same opinion ; and
]\Ir. Justice Lawrence enlarged upon tlie arguments of
the Chief Baron, saying the prisoner could have no right
to destroy Millwood. It was in evidence that the sister of
the deceased heard the prisoner call out to her brother to
stop, or he would shoot him, and immediately the gun was
discharired. The law laid down, that in cases of felon v,
where a person stands charged as a felon, and proper per-
sons are sent to apprehend him, and he escapes, after
bein"' in custody, and runs away, and the party from
whom he escapes shoots and kills him, that person is
deemed, in the eye of the law, guilty of murder. Mr.
Justice Forster has laid it down, that if a person trips
another's heels, and he thereby meets his death, then such
person is guilty of manslaughter ; but if he uses a deadly
w^eapon, then he is guilty of murder. In this case it was
evident that the gun was discharged so near that the gun-
powder blackened the unfortunate man's face. The Jury
were to recollect the oaths they had taken, and administer
that justice which the safety of society demanded.
The Recorder perfectly agreed in the doctrines laid
down by the other Learned Judges, and desired the Jury
to reconsider their verdict, who, turning round in their
box, almost instantly pronounced the prisoner Guilti/ of
Murder.
The Lord Chief Baron told the Jury, that he should re-
port the case immediately to his Majesty.
The Recorder thought the Jur}^ had very properly found
him guilty. The law of God, which ought to be written
in the hearts of all men, had declared, " That whosoever
sheddeth human blood, by man shall his blood be shed." — ■
Iff tlifn passed the usual sentence.
The
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 75
The prisoner stated his age to be 29. He was dressed
in black, and conducted himself throughout the trial witli
decent firmness. During the time he remained at the bar,
his countenance did not appear to express much agitation,
until the Jury left the box. Upon the return of the Jur}',
he appeared still more agitated ; and particularly so, when
he was pronounced guilty of murder. While the awful
sentence was passing upon him by the Recorder, he sup-
ported himself with difficulty, and was led out of the Dock
by Mr. Kirby's assistant, overwhelmed with the horrors of
his situation. I\Ir. Dignum, of Drury Lane Theatre, sat
by him, and was extremely affected ; he wept, clasped his
hands together, and suffered the greatest agitation. Seve-
ral of his relations were also present, and apparently in
great distress. The Sessions House was croM-ded in every
jiart by nine o'clock, and the Yard was filled Avith an
anxious multitude, all making inquiry, and interested in
the fate of the prisoner, — He was as usual taken back to
Newgate ; but at seven in the evening, a respite arrived
for him, till his ]VIajest)''s pleasure should be known.
"W^'ith respect to the fate of this unfortunate man, though
we do not pretend to state our opinion against that of the
Jury, the sentiments of the majority of the people, unre-
servedly ascribe the respite of Smith, to the possible pre-
sumption in the breast of the Judge, that the Jury,. after
liaving returned a verdict of manslaughter against the pri-
soner, should have declared him not guilty of murder,
when they reconsidered the verdict. — And if the Jury were
out an hour and twenty minutes in the first instance, when
the}' returned the verdict of manslaughter, the few minutes
they occupied the second time, when they brought in that
of wilful murder, must, to common apprehensions, appear
rather too short. However, having given in our preced-
ing pages, a faithful detail of this important trial and sin-
gular verdicts, we now proceed to a retrospective history
L 2 ©f
1G. THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS.
of the circumstances some months preceding this cata-
strophe, containing the particulars of the persons engaged
in the imposition, and an impartial description of these dis-
tnrbers of the public peace.
So far back as October last, it is well known, that the
first rumours of a ghost were in circulation in the neigh-
bourhood, near tlie church; which is thus accounted for :
It was then reported, that a mad woman' Avas in the
habit of disturbing the neighbours, by perambulating the
church-yard and other walks, in strange and uncouth
dresses, Avhich, after a little time, was discovered by Mr.
Mood\-, of the Six Bells,, who well knew his face, to be
nothing more tiian a youth belonging to Mr. Kilberton, a
neighbouring butcher, avIio, by way of frolic, and to plague
the maid his felloAv-servant, liad dressed himself in her
clothes, in which he frequently appeared in the church-
yard and other places. Being reprimanded by INIr. Moody
^nd others, and the ill consequences which might attend it,
pointed out, he desisted froin the practice altogether. —
Notwithstan(Ung, another supposed phantom soon sprung
up, and was seen all hi u-hite, at various places. This
ghost also Avas so clever and nimble in its retreats, that
they could never be traced, till one evening, when one
Brazier, a chimney SAveeper, going through the lower
part of Church-lane, and the night being verj' dark, he
was in his turn alarmed at the appearance of this siqDposed
spectre ; and as he related the story the next morning, it
seems he stood still some moments before he diu'st proceed.
However, having a stick in his hand, he extended it at
arm's length, and advancing towards a tree, against which
he saw the object, he was induced to exclaim — Ghost ! or
Avhatever you may be, pray be civil. — But as he still con-
tinued advancing with a sIoav pace, instead of penetrating
a body of thin air, he found his stick in contact with the
clothes of a female, who i)roved to be a Miss G , a
Younc:
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 11
young lady of Hammersmith, with her companion. After
this second discovery, nothing of the kind ^v as seen or
heard of in this quarter, excepting what has been re-
lated by Thomas Groom, a servant to Messrs. Burgess
and Winter, brewers. — He, a stout able man, asserted for
a truth, M'hat he related upon the trial, of being nearly
choaked by the rude caresses of one of tlie phantoms
which lie met in the church-yard. — He did not keep his
bed, as it is reported in the newspapers, but he was seve-
ral days before he got the better of the fright.
An old proverb says, " The third time generally pays
for all :" Accordingly, the next disturber of the peace,
made its appearance not in the churcli-yard, but lower
down, towards Eeavcr, Black Lion, and Plough and Har-
row Lanes, Avhich served it as a retreat when pui-sued, from
the hijrh road. A drummer belonQ-inac to the Chiswick
Volunteers, an inhabitant of Hammersmith, and a rat-
catcher by his profession, was one of the first that was
panic-struck by this new spectre. — The next was a clerk
to Mr. Cromwell the brewer, who thought he saw a super-t
natural appearance about five o'clock one morning in
Plough and Harrow-lane, and was considerably alarmed.
The pretended spectre, on Thursday the 29th of Decem-
ber, made a more public appearance ; for as Girdler, the
watchiuan, came out of the house of Mrs. Samuel, No. 2,
Queen's- place, adjoining Beaver-lane, an apprentice boy
belonging to Graham the shoemaker, ran across the road
towards him, dreadfully frightened, at what he supposed to
be a gliost I In consequence of this, the watchman looking
towards the opposite side of the road, on the left hand of
the pump, was witness to an object all in white. Ap-
proaching the spot wjjere it stood, he observed some per-
son divest himself of a sheet or tablecloth, he could not dis-
tinguish wliich, wrap it up under his coat, and run away.
Bejnff
75 THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS,
Being- dark, this person was soon out of sight. — Girdkr
followed, but saw nothing. — He therefore went to the
White Hart, and inquired if any strange person was just
come in there. — While Girdler was going by, the pre-
tended ghost, it is supposed, hid himself behind INIr. Hill's
house ; but leaving the spot in Girdler's absence, he was
seen by some of Mr. Hill's family, Avho observed a corner
of the cloth hanging below his coat.
While he stood near the pump, he Avas also seen by a
Mrs. Steward, and her servant, at No, 4, Teresa Terrace,
who were much alarmed, till it was generally known, next
day, that the pretended ghost was an impostor. This last
appearance caused much discussion ; and as it Avas a
species of imposition that had then been put in practice
three times successively, with very short intervals, it may
be admitted, as a very powerful incentive to that provoca-
tion, which Smith, as well as others, may be supposed to
have felt on the occasion ; and which, no doubt, prompted
him to the commission of that rash act, which terminated
in the death of an inoffensive man, totally unconnected
with any impostor whatever.
A day or two after Smith was committed to prison, one
John Graham, a shoemaker, who resides in Dorvell's-row, to
liis shame, confessed that he was the person, who, in the
last instance, on the 29th of December, had dressed him-
self in a sheet, as he said, to terrify his apprentice, who
had been in tlie habit of scratching the walls of the house,
and otherwise teazing his master's children upon the sub-
ject of ghosts and apparitions.
A young woman, named Sarah Francis, servant to INIrs.
Brookes, of Wester of t-place, being at Graham's house,
he judged it to be a good opportunity to put his plan in
execution. Sending the boy home with her, with an in-
tent to meet biin as he came back, in his supernatural
capacity ;
THE HAMMERSMITH GHOSTS. 79
capacity ; he dressed himself in the meanwhile for that
purpose, and waited for the apprentice, in the manner re-
presented by our Engraving. — But this opportunity would
not have occurred to him, had not the one armed postman,
who lodged in Graham's house, been than in bed ; as he
generally had the office of seeing this young woman home
when she happened to come that M'^g.y. — But though Gra-
ham has acknowledged this to be his first ofience, liis
mind must, upon reflection, be considerably hurt, at what
lias lately occurred.
This Mr. Graham, it is to be noticed, was known as a
serious person, a constant attendant, and one of the first
singers in Trinity Chapel, and always boj-e an excellent
character before. — We have since heard a rumour that he
means to leave his house ; and some circumstances having
transpired, have increased the dislike the foregoing affair
has naturally occasioned.
Among others, we are told, that a few days after the ex-
hibition at the pump, Graham meeting Girdler, he said in
a jeering tone, ** Were not you very much frightened the
other night'?" To which tlie other replied, "No — he was
not — but whoever the ghost was, be will go to hell, die
when be will ;" and immediately left Graliam to enjoy
bis own feelings. — But possibly, Mr, Graham might think
the pains he took, and his singing at the funeral of poor
Millwood, would be some reparation for the folly in which
he had been so deeply implicated. The report that a lady
of Brooke Green, had also died in consequence of the ap-
pearance of a spectre, we are happy to find is totally un-
founded ; she having received her fright from a person in
a state of intoxication. And the report of a figure diesscd
in a skin with horns, together with that of cutting the traces
of the Hammersmith coachman's horses, have uo foundation
in fact J but owe their rise to newspaper iabrication.
^ONDER-
C 80 )
WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
A. PRIVATE information having been received by Mr.
Bond, that Sylvester Godlia, one of the persons concerned
in the late forgery on the Bank of Portugal, and who was
sent thither a few months ago with Gillington and Farrell,
against whom he was a principal witness, had escaped out
of the prison at Lisbon, and had been seen in the neigh-
bourhood of Bethnal-green, two of the officers were yes-
terday morning sent in search of him, and who apprehend-
ed and brought him before Mr. Bond and Sir Wm. Par-
sons, at Bow-street, when he made a sad confession of the
means used foe his escape out of the prison at Lisbon,
which he effected by an old nail he found in his cell, and a
chain with which he forced up a plank in the floor, and
made his way through it to another dungeon, where he
found a cutlass, which enabled him to open a door, and
having engaged the sentinel placed near the door, in his
favour, tliey both went off together ; that he was seven
weeks in making the aperture in the floor, and he was forced
to act with the greatest caution to elude the observation of
the guard that brought him his victuals, when putting his
cloak over the spot, and sweeping the dungeon himself, he
contrived the piece of plank cut out, to fix in at that time ;
he concealed himself at an English Avoman's house, at a
place called Bonisiras, and then went on board the Lord
Nelson privateer, and after cruising about ten days, was
cast away at Vigo, in Spain, and remained eight hours in
the sea ; that the cramp taking him, he clung to a piece of
wood, and in that situation, almost senseless, was taken up
by a Portuguese vessel, Avhich also saved the rest of the
crew of the privateer, except four who Avere drowned, and
who landed them at Vigo ; that undergoing many hardships
by land, he got to Bilboa, and from thence to England by
a Spanish vessel bound to Cork ; but which, on account of
the
CURIOUS DISPLAY OF THE GALVANIC TROUGH. SI
Uie damao-e she had sustained at sea, put in at IliVacombe,
in Devonshire. He was committed to Tothill-fields Bride-
well. Godlia is a remarkable good swimmer, and fiimous
for remaining under water a long time ; he Avas tfie person
employed to dive for a quantity of the forged Portuguese
notes that had been sunk in the Thames, near Lambeth,
and -who succeeded in recovering them. He is a Maltese
by birth. Gillington, Fan-eil, and Joseph De Ban on, were
confined in the same prison with him at Lisbon, but had
not been tried when he cume away.
Cmioits Display/ of the Galvanic Trough.
VV^iTH respect to the property of metals, Mr. Wilkinson
is amply convinced, that gold and zinc, form the most
powerful Galvanic combination. He has lately illustrated
these principles • giving the preference ♦^o the trough, and
proceeding, by experiments, to evince its Avonderful
powers. Four troughs, hung on swivels, each containing
fifty plates, and eiglit inches in diameter, the weight of
each trough being between two and three cwt. were charged
with a mixture, consisting of one gallon of nitrous acid, to
nineteen gallons of water. These are so arranged, as to
communicate with two brass rods under the leciurer's
table, Avhicli communicate witii brass pillars upon the top
of the table. A piece of harpsichord wire, four feet in
length, being rested upon the two pillars, was in an in-
stant red-hot, fused, and fell upon the table in the form of
red-hot balls, which retained their heat for a surprising
length of time. Wires of silver, brass, an J copper, wete
placed in the same manner, and with si:nilar rcauits. But,
when five or six feet of steel wire was so placed, it did not
fuse, although its whole extent was rendered rcd-not, and
remained so long as the contact was preserved. Platma,
a metal known to be indestructible in the most pov.criul
Vol. II. Ai fiunace.
82 CURIOUS ANTIQUITIES IN AFRICA.
furnace, when exposed to this astonishing principle, was
rapidly ignited, and fused into a spherical form. A dia-
mond, placed in a piece of charcoal, was instantaneously
consumed. But tlie following experiment exhibited the
most beautiful phenomenon we ever witnessed : — Two
pieces of charcoal, in the form of pencils, were placed in
the circuit, and instantly a rapid inflammation foUoAved,
forming the most brilliant light ever yet artificially pro-
duced. The shadows of all surrounding objects were
strongly defined, as if a sun was formed between the two
charcoal points. The hght approached the nearest to in-
tense solar light of any wc ever saw. When an Argand's
lamp was placed near it, the light of the lamp appeared
small and obscure, as a distant rush-hght. Those who
have seen brilliant deflagrations in oxygen gas, may form
some idea of it, jet but faintly, so extremely beautiful is
its appearance.
There Avere various other pleasing phenomena, produced
by the Galvanic principle ; after which, Mr. Wilkinson
announced his intention of giving Cin the second lecture) a
.series of cxj)eriments, to shew its power as a chemical
agent, as well as its influence on animals ; an account of
which we shall, on a future day, communicate to our
readers.
CURIOUS ANTIQUITIES IN AFRICA.
At the last meeting of the Antiquarian Society, Mas
read a letter of Mr. Jackson, on the dntient Utica, which
was next in extent and magnitude to Carthage^ and in the
same gulph. Here Mr. J. visited the subterraneous vaults,
in which the cielings were covered with bats of enormous
size, called by Virgil h&rpieSj which being disturbed, left
their places, and nearly extinguished the flambeaux, and
but for a lunthorn, the curious visitors might have been lost
in
STRIKING INSTANCE OF SAGACITY IN A DOG. 8j
in the dark. In the same place, Mr. J. found foxes, biir-
rowing in the under-ground ruins. The air in these caverns
^vas pppressive, but by firing pistols was much cleared, and
became more respiruble.
^ recent and striking Instance of Sagacity in a Dog,
nearly approaching to Iimnanf
London, Junuari/ 23, 1804.
On Saturday, January 21, Thomas Tweed, apprehended
in Old-street-road, charged with stealing a box from a
person named Scott ; being examined at the Public-
Office in Worship-street, it appeared that Tweed was
drinking in the Pitt's Head public-house, Old-street, when
a small terrier dog entered, and seeing tlie prisoner, in-
stantly flew at him. The circumstance was so marked, as
to excite the observation and suspicion of the landlord,
who knowing the dog to belong to Scott, he sent for him ;
and Scott, on his arrival, recognized the coat which Tweed
wore, to be one of the articles which had been stolen from
him. He was taken into custody, and the pawnbroker's
tickets which were found in his possession, led to tlic
discovery of several of the other articles.
On Monday, Jan. 24, Thomas Tiveed underwent a final
examination, charged upon the oath of Thomas Scott,
with breaking open his box ; the property being sworn to,
the prisoner was committed for trial.
Since this occurrence took place, several persons have
made considerable offers for the dog. The owner, how»
ever, has not thought proper to accept of any which have
been made him, at least till the trial has taken place. —
That the dog should not be stolen in the interval, it has
been found necessary to keep him tied up. Tlie master
of the dog, it seems, was in the habit of using the pubhc-
house ; and though the dog had frequently been in the
house before, the manner in which he singled out the rob-
M 2 ber.
84 THE BOILING VVATER-SFOUTS OF ICELAND.
ber, had something in it uncommon ; for holding his nose
close to the skirt of his coat, and growling all the while, he
would not move from the spot, which exciting the admi-
ration of all present, led to the iiiunediate discovery of th?
offender.
THE BOILING WATER-SPOUTS OF ICELAND ;
Commonly called the Geysers.
X HE principal of these is found in the neighbourhood of
Scalholt, the capital of the place ; and it was very lately
visited by Mr. Olafeen, a native of that country, and Mem^
ber of tlie Academy of Sciences at Copenlmgen. Taking
4 friend with him, he says,—" tlie moment we arrived at
Geyser, the water filled the bason, and overflowed on all
^ides. Soon after a subterraneous noise was heard, the
usual signal for the gushing of the water. It tlien began tQ
ppout in an instant ; but did not rise above 60 feet in
height. This spouting ceased suddenly, but was frequently
renewed after a few miniitc-s iiUcrval ; its violence diminish-
ing also, till the bason was quite empty. In this state it
<;ontinued for a moment, but as t'le water is hot, its vapouj-
and heat j^-evented us from seeing the bottom . By means
of a plummet, we however contrived to measure the depth
of the bason, and found it 12 feet j its diameter at the
orifice, or opening, 57 ; and at or near the bottom only
18, ^o that it seemed to terminate like a funnel. i\gaiu
throwing our plummet, in hopes of sounding some of the
holes that afforded a passage to the water, the lead had no
sooner reached the bottom, than a body of boiling Avater
spouted up from the rock ; but happily did us no harm. —
This encourag»?d us to throw it in again, but another spout
of water obliged us to retreat in haste ; while our guide was
terribly alarmed, because it is the opinion of the Iceland-
ers, that any man visiting these mysterious places, will
incur the displeasure of the powerful spirits that rei^icic in
then).
THE BOILING WATER-SPOUTS OF ICELAND. S:^
them. The ah" being agitated ever so little in the small
ppenjngs at the bottom, it deranges the ordinary course of
the water, and causes it to rise immediately with violence.
To fathom the small openings at the bottom, we repeatedly
tfied in vain ; nor could \ve divine the cause of our mis-
carriage.
After these spoutings, the great Geyser remaixied quiet
the whole night; the water in the meanwhile rose gradually,
and the bason was filled about four in the morning. To try
the force of the spout, we continued near the place, and
threw several flaojs and other stones into the bason. At lenstli
the spoutings were announced by a hollow noise under-
peath us, like the distant reports of a cannon. Five re-
ports followed^ each louder than the other. At the same
time we felt tiie earth shaking and heaving, as if it would
burst.
In each successive spouting also, the water w^is thrown
to a greater height than the time preceding, while the flags
jmd stones which we threw into the bason, were darted up,
broken in a thousand pieces, and were carried higher than
the pillars of water, which always terminated in a point.<T—
From a motive of caution, wc stood to windward of the
smoke ; at every spouting, th.e water in the bason ^vas
yaised, and though it overflowed every side of the crater
or bason, on the north side, it fell into a little valley, and
formed a rivulet ; wliich, though at a good distance from
the fountain-head, v/ould severely b\u'n tlip feet of anv
aninuil tiiat passed it.
There is a mountain called Langfell, near the Geyser,
about 70 fathoms in height. The general height of the
spouts is 60 ; but tiie inhabitants said, whan a storm, or
rainy weather is exj^ected, they will rise to the full height
of the Lang fcl. The spoutings in all, l^isted about tea
minutes ; and tliere was an interval of three seconds be-
tween cvt:ry subterraneous report that anapunceci them j
so.
BS TftE BOrttNG XS-ATER-SPOtrXS or ICELAND.
SO tliat the total number at this time was about two hun*
drcd. The water of the Geyser, is supposed to come front
the ileighbouring mountains. . There is a tradition, that
before the present spring existed, there were other spouts
in tlie neighbourhood, which, from their singular violence,
were also called Gey.^i'r , but that an earthquake destroyed
these, and at the same time produced the water-spout now
known by that name.
The hot water of the Gejser converts the stalks of
plants and little ])ieccs of wood into a hard and pale-
coloured stone. Even in the rock itself, from which the
spring issues, petrified stalks of plants maybe found, with
bones of sheep, horse-dung, all transmuted ; gnd in a
petrifaction of the small leaves of the birch-tree, the fibres
were distinctly visible. Among the inferior water-spouts
near the great spring, some of them have remarkable qua-.
Jities. One of them named Styder, is called a dry spring',
because its turvnel contains no water, but emits a thick
smoke ; its heat is so intense, that the neighbours employ
it to dress their victuals, whicli they say is done with ease
and dispatch ; and that the food while doing, contracts hq
strange or smoky taste. There is two hot-wells in the
neighbourhood, called Akrahver ; in throwing the sound-
ing lead into one of them, the water instantly sunk a foot
and a quarter, while trying the same experiment upon thq
other, it overflowed on all sides. Several of the natives
affirmed that they had seen birds swimming in these hot-
wells, made like a mallard ; the body of a brown colour ;
the eye encircled with a white ring, very visible. In fact,
they even go so far as to say, that these birds have been
seen to dive in the hot water I In swimming, the legs and
bills of these birds, armed with a callous skin, might en-
dure the heat ; but in diving, it would be impossible. It is
well known, that owing to the property of the blood,^ sea-
birds cannot dive j so that these birds, if they really pos-
"DISCOVERIES UPON THE PEAK OF TEN£3lIFF£. Bl
sess that faculty, must be of an amphibious class ; and
hence the discovery of tliem, would be a very great deside-
ratum in Natural History. As yet their existence may be
very fairly questioned. In all these hot-springs, the de-
gree of heat is generally the same. In the ^vater, Fahren-
heit's thermometer rose to 182 degrees ; out of it the smoke
or vapour near the surface, stood at 90. Severul springs
are so much agitated, that the thermometer cannot be in-
troduced. The water in this quarter, however, is some-
what hotter than that of any other -springs in Iceland."
Pardon of Francis Smith, /or killing T. Millwood 3
See Page 65 of the present Number.
Much to the satisfaction of the people at hirge, he received a pardon oa
Wednesday the 25th instant, upon condition of remaining in prison one
twelvemonth ; and thus it appears, that the intent of the Jury'a first ver-
dict, has been very properly acted upon.
New and accurate Discoveries upon the Peak (^
Teneriffe.
]V1» CoRDiER, in May last, 1803, ascended to the sum-
mit of this mountain, on a scientific survey. He found
the height of the Peak to he 1901 toises above the level
of the sea. The crater, which is of an elliptic form, is
about 1200 feet in circumference, and \\0 in depth; its
edges are perfectly steep in the inside, and consists of a
snow-white earth, the result of the decomposition of the
blackest and hardest vitreous and porplmitis lava — crystals
of sulphur covered all tlie surrounding rocks. M. Cordier
slid to the bottom of the crater, from whence issued a warm
sulphureous vapour, proceeding tlirough innumerable cre-
vices, from, he supposes, the depth of several leagues, and
retaining a great intensity of heat. Thi^ thermometer, ex-
posed in a crevice, speedily rose to SO degrees, and would
have risen higher had the length of the tube atlmitted ; the
:. • \'apour
88- MAO FOXES ON THE BORDERS OF SWITZERtATJfi".
vapoar consisted solely of sulphur and vater, pei'fectly in-*
sipid, without containing, as was supposed, sulphureous
acid, soda, or hydrogen gas,
^I. Cordier contradicts, in the most decided terms, the
current opinion as to the intensity of the cold, the weak-
ness of spirituous liquors, and the difficult}'' of respiration
on the Peak— he did not experience tlie least incon-
venience from the cold vapours, or rarit}' of the air ; and
iifi ridicules the report respecting the appearance of the
sun's disk being seen from this elevated spot.
j\I. Cordier was three hours on the summit of the Peak ;
tlie snow in the channels cut in the mountain by the lava,
which on his ascent was hard, had become thawed on his
descent, so far, that iu moving over it, he repeatedly sunk
a foot or two ; the guide clambered up and Aown therocks^
and was horrored at the temerity of his companion, in ven-
turing on the snow, Avhich probably covered abysses of im-
measurable depth.
MAD FOXES ON THE BORDERS OF SWITZERLAND.
Accounts from hence, dated Dec. 21, 1803, say — ''The
number of this species is lately said to have become so nu-
merous in the Valais country, that the natives have given
them the name of Rcnards enrages; they approach the
houses of the inliabitants in broad day, and attack both
man and beast : only one man, however, has yet been bit-
ten. The Officers of Health have already dissected somci
of these animals, and have found all the symptoms of mad-
ness in the process. To ascertain the fact beyond dispute,
they lately confined some dogs and a pig, which beintr
wounded by these furious animals, the symptoms that fol-
lowed, have been closely observed ; but whether they ex-
actly resemble tho5.e of the hydrophobia, does not yet
appear.
Since
ECCENTRIC OBITUARY. 89
^iftce the abovementioned alarm has gone forth, the
Swiss Government, who seem to have no doubt of the fact,
have issued a monition, stating, that in the districts of
Morsey and Gossan}^, where these animals have been most
frequently seen, as there is a probability that the hares
also may have been affected, it will be advisable not to eat
any of the latter for tlie present ; and in the interim,
inn-keepers and others, are strictly forbidden to bring any
hares to their tables.
ECCENTRIC OBITUARY.
A Mr. Edwards, a respectable Dyer, of Sherrard-strcet,
Goiden-square, was interred on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at
Lambeth Church. By his Avill, he dh-ected that his fune-
ral procession should stop at the Magpies, in Bridge-street,
Westminster, and the mourners be regaled with a gallon of
porter, which they were to drink at the door of the house ;
they were then to proceed on a long trot along the bridge
to the Jolly Sawj-ers in Lambeth \Valk, there to have an-
other gallon of beer ; from thence to the grave, Avhere,
after his interment, a pint of gin was to be drank by them
over his grave, wishing him a pleasant journei/ ! The re-
quest was literally complied with.
Mr. John Barker, formerly a Farmer, near Bawiry,
in Yorkshire, died lately. — Though possessed of consider-
able landed property, some time before his death he was
constantly complauiing of poverty ; and a very sliort time
ago, actually borrowed six guineas to relieve his exigen-
cies. Immediately after his death, 1000 guineas were
found in the seat of his armed-chair, and two bags con-
.taining 500 each, upon which was written tiie word soundj
meaning good weight, with several other sums, besides
.£500 m Bank notes, and a considtjrable quantity of silver
in his bureau.
Vol. IL ' N Jromkr-
( 90 )
Wonderful Discovny o/" a Murder, after the Body had been
buried thirty Days,
\Communicated by Carolus.]
The most extraordinary Discovery of a Murder committed upon the Body of
Mrs. Joan Norkett, as it appeared on Evidence, at a Trial at Hertford
Assizes, before Lord Chief Justice Hyde, the 4th Year of King Charles
tlie First. — Attested by Serjeant Maynard.
1 HE case, or rather the history of a case that occurred
in Hertfordshire, I thought good to report here, (though
it happened the 4th year of King Charles the First,) that
the memory of it may not be lost, by miscarriage of my
papers, or otherwise, I wrote the evidence that was given,
which I and many others also did hear ; and I wrote ex-
actly to what was deposed at this trial at the Bar, in the
King's Bench ; viz.
Joan Norkett, wife of Arthur Norkett, being murdered,
the question was, how she came by her death > The Coro-
ner's inquest, on view of the body, and depositions of
Mary Norkett, John Oakham, and Agnes his wife, in-
clined to find Joan Norkett, Felo de sc ; for they informed
the Coroner and the Jury, that she was found dead in her
bed, and her throat cut, and the knife sticking in the
floor of the room : That the night before she was so found,
she went to bed with her child, now Plaintiff in this Ap-
peal, her husband being absent, and that no other person
(after such time as she was gone to bed,) came into the
house, the examinants lying in the outer room, and they
must needs have seen or known if any stranger had come
ia. Whereupon the Jury gave up to the Coroner their
verdict, '* that she was Felo de se.'*
But afterwards, upon rumour among the neighbours,
and their observation, divers circumstances, which mani-
fested that she did not, (nor according to those circum-
stances) could possibly murder lierself ; thereupon the
Jury
WONDERFUL DISCOVERY OF A MURDER. 91
Jury (whose verdict was not drawn into form by the Coro-
ner,) desired the Coroner, that the body which was buried,
might be taken up out of the grave, which the Coroner as-
sented to : and thirt}' days after her death, she Avas taken
up, in the presence of the Jury, and a great number of
people ;" whereupon the Jury changed their verdict.
The persons that Mere tried at Hertford Assizes, were
acquitted ; but so mucli against tlic evidence, that the
Judge let fall his opinion, " That it Avas better that an
Appeal were brought, than so foul a murder slionld escape
unpunished." And Pasch. 4 Car. they Avere tried on die
Appeal, Avhich was brouglit by the young child against the
father, grandmother, and aunt, and her husband Oakham.
— And because the evidence Avas so strange, I took parti-
cular notice of it, and it v,ns as folloAveth : — After the mat-
ters abovementioned Avere related, an ancient and grave
person, Minister to the parish, Avhere the fact Avas com- -
mitted, being sworn to giA-e evidence according to the
custom, deposed, That the body being taken up out of
the graA^e thirty days after the party's death, and lying on
the grass, and the four Defendants present, they AA^ere re-
quired each of them to touch the dead bod}-. Oakham's
wife fell on her knees, and prayed to God, to shcAv tokens
of her innocence, or to some such purpose (as her very
Avords I forgot). The parties did touch the dead body,
Avhereupori the brow of the dead, Avhich Avas before of a
livid t^nd carrion colour, (that Avas the verbal expression,
in terminisy of the Avitntss,) began to have a dcAv, or gentle
sweat, arise upon it, Avhich increased by degrees, till the
sweat ran down in drops on the face, and the broAv turned
and changed to a lively and fresh colour, and the dead
person opened one of her eyes, and shut it agcdn; and this
opening of the eyes Avas done three several times. She
likewise thrust out the ring, or marriagp finger, three
times, and pulled it in again and the finger, and dropped
N 2 blooci,
92 WONDERFUL DISCOVERY OF A MURDER.
blood from it on the grass. Hyde (Nicholas), Chief Jiis^
tice, seeming to doubt the evidence, asked the witness,
'^ Who saw this besides you ?" — 1st Witness — '' I cannot
swear what others saw, but, my Lord, I believe the whole
company saw it ; and if it had been thought dpubtful,
proof would have been made of it, and many would have
contested with me." Then the witness observing some
admiration in the auditors, spoke thus ;— '^ My Lord, I am
Minister of the parish, long knew all the parties, but never
had any occasion of displeasure against any of them, nor
had to do with th(rn, nor they with me; but as I was Mi-
nister, the thing was wonderful to me ; but I have no' in-
terest in the matter, but as called upon to testify the truth,
Tvhich I have done,"
The witness was a reverend person, as I guess about 70
3'ears of age ; bis testimony was "delivered gravely and
ternfierately, but to the great admiration ot the auditory.
Whereupon applying bimscli to the Chief Justice, lie said,
*' My Lord, my brother here, is Minister of the next
parish adjacent ; and I am sure saw all done that I have
affirmed. " \Vhereupon ttiat person -.vas sworn to give
evidence, and did depo>c in cverv point; viz. the sweat-
ing of the In ow, the changing of the colour, opening of
the eyes, and the thrice motions of the hnger, and drawing
it in again ; only the first witnu-ss added, that be dipped
his finger in the blood that canie from the dead bod}^, and
SAvore, he believed it was really bJood. I conferred after-
wi.rds with Sir Vowell, Bdrri^ler at Law, ana others, who
all concurred in this observation ; and for myself, ifl were
upon oatli, can depose, that these depositions (especially
the first witness) are truly reported in substance.
Tiie other evidence was given against tlic prisoner, viz,
asainstthe Q,randuiother of the PlaintiiF, and against Oak-
ham and his wife, that they confessed they lay in the next
room to the dead pcrton that night, and that none came into
the
WONDERFUL DISCOVERY OF A MURDER. 93
the house, till they found her dead next morning ; there-r
fore, if she did not murder herself, they must be the mur^
derers ; and to that end further proof was made. — First,
that she lay in a composed manner in her bed, the bed^
clothes nothing at all disturbed, and her child by her in the
bed. — Secondly, that her throat was cut from ear to ear,
and her neck broken ; and if she first cut her throat, she
could not break her neck in the bed, nor e contra. —
Thirdly, there was no blood in the bed, saving, there was
a tincture of blood on the bolster whereon her head lay ;
but no other substance of blood at all. — Fourthly, from the
bed's head there was a stream of blood on the floor, which
run along on the floor, till it ponded on the bending of the
floor, to a very great quantity, and there was also another
stream of blood on the floor at tlie bed's feet, which ponded
also oh the floor, to another great quantity ; but no conti-
nuance or continuation of blood of either of tliose two
places, from one to the other, neither upon the bed, so that
she bled in two places severally : And it was deposed, turn-
ing up the mat of the bed, there were clots of congealed
blood in the straw of the mat underneath. — Fifthl}'-, the
]jloody knife, in the morning, was found sticking in the
floor, a good distance from the bed ; but the point of the
Jinife, as it stuck in the floor, was towards the bed, and
\he. haft from the bed. — Lastly, there was a print of a
thumb and four fingers of a left-hand on the dead person's
left hand.
Hyde, Chief Justice, to tlie Witness — " How can yoa
know the print of a left-hand from the print of a right-
liand in this case ?"
Witness. — " iVIy Lord, it is liard to describe ; but if it
please that Honourable Judge to put his left-hand on your
left-hand, ijou cannot possibh/ place your right-hand in the
faine posture ; which being done, and appearing so, the
Defendants
S4 A PROGRESSIVE WATER-SPOUT,
Defendants had time to make their defence ; but gave no
evidence to any purpose.
The Jury departed from the box, and returning, ac-
quitted Oakham, (tlie aunt's husband,) and foi\nd the
other three guilty ; "who being severally demanded what
they could say why judgment should not be pronounced ?
— Eacii of them said nothing ; but I did not do it — I did
not do it. Judgment was then given, and the grand-
mother and husband were executed ; but the aunt had the
privilege to be spared from execution, being with child.
^^^^^^^^ ' CAROLUS.
A PROGRESSIVE WATER-SPOUT,
On the 5th of May, 1752, about seven in the evening,
a water-spout fell from the clouds on Deeping Fen, in the
county of Lincoln, and took its progress in a very indirect
manner, to the county bank or dike, whence it carried every
thing that lay loose thereon, such as straw, hay, and stub-
ble, violently before it. When it came into the middle of
Flowbit Wash, where it was first seen, it was a dreadful
sight to behold this moving meteor there fixed for several
minutes, spouting out water to a considerable height, per-
haps two }■ ards ; so that it seemed as if the law of nature
was inverted, to see water ascending, and all the time at-
tended with a terrible noise. — Upon the second rout, it
made to the river ; on its arrival there, it discovered its
length with some certainty, for it reached from side to
side, the river being about three yards over; in its march-
ing along it drove the water before it in a rapid torrent,
tearing in its passage a fishing-net : Avhen it arrived at the
church, it there stopped again, but not above a minute,
Avhence it arose, and made its passage through the space
that is between the church and the parsonage-house, with-
out doins: hurt to either ; so that however natural the cause
may be, yet surely its progression could not be without
the
ACCOUNT OF TWO DWARFS AND A NEGRO. i)5
the direction of him who rides in the whirlwind, and directs
the storm. On its departing hence, the straw, hay, and
stubble fell down upon the land in showers. This strange
phenomenon ascended not far before it fell down again
upon the land ; in passing through a small tract of seed
turnips, it broke in its way the stems from the roots. A
gate it forced from off its hinges, and a stone it broke to
pieces, and when at a distance it looked like a pillar of
smoke ; Avhen it passed a little beyond Molton Chapel, it
evaporated into a cloud, and was succeeded by a violent
storm of hail, and after that of rain.
.^cW2(w/ o/'Two Dwarfs and a surprising 'Negro, exhibited
in this City^ in December 1151 ;
A Dwarf from Glamorganshire, in his 15th year, two
foot six inches high, weighing only 12lb. ; yet very pro-
portionable.
John Coan, a Norfolk dwarf, aged 23, weighed last
year, with all his clothes, but 34lb. ; and his height with
his hat, shoes and wig on, was but 38 inches ; his body is
perfectly strait, he is of a good complexion, and sprightly
temper, sings tolerably, and mimicks a cock's crowing
very exactly. A child 3 years 8 months old, of an ordi-
nary size with his clothes on, weighed 36lb. ; and his
height without anything on bis head was 37 inches 7-lOths,
which, on comparison, gives an idea of the smallness of
this dwarf.
A Negro, who, by a most exti'aordinary and singular di-
latation and contraction of the deltoid and biceps muscles
of the arm, those of the back, ccc. clasps his hands full to-
gether, throAvs them over his licad and back, and brings
them in that position under his feet : tliis he repeats back-'
wards or forwards as often as the spectators desire, and
with the greatest facility.
THE
( 96 )
THE ORIGIN OF THE REAL ROBINSON CRUSOE,
A^ thefabdousHistovy of Robinson Crusoe, ■written by Daniel De Foe'y
has afforded so muc'tv entertainment to the public, for so many years past,
and has proved uncomilionly amusing, the true Account of the real Origin
of that Story, with the sufferings of the adventurous person who gave rise
to it, will, no doubt, add to the pleasing effect of your very interesting
Miscellany. Yours, cic. .Curiosa.
il//-. Alexander Selkirk, u'ho icas origrinallj Master of a BTerchanfman,
in the Reign of King fViltlum the Third, having had a Dream, that the Ship he
teas on board of' icon Id be lost, he desired to be leji on a desolate Island, in the
South Seas, uhere he lived Four Years and Four 3Tonths, without seeing tl^e Face
of Man, the Ship being aj'teitcards cast away, cs he drear>ied. He teas aftencards
miraculousbj preserved and redeemed from that fatal Place, by two Bristol Priva-
teers, called The Duke and Duchess ; that took the rich Aquapulco Ship, worth
100 Ton of Gold, and brought it to England.— Attested by ttiost of the eminent
Merchants upon the Royal Exchange.
In the voyage of the Duke and Duchess privateers belong-
ing to Bristol, -who took the rich Aquapulco ship, they
came to an island called Juan Fernandez ; where sending
their pinnace on shore, she returned, after some time,
bringing with her a man clothed in goat-skins, who seemed
as wild as the goats themselves.
Being brought on board the Duke, he said, he had been
on the island four years and four months, liaving been left
there by Captain Stradling, in a ship called the Cinque-
Ports, about the year 1705, of which ship he was master ;
and Captain Dampier, who was then with him, and now on
board the Duke, told Captain Rogers, he was the best man
then on board the Cinque-Ports, who immediately agreed
with him to be a mate on board the Duke. His name
was Alexander Selkirk, a Scotchman ; and the manner of
his being found there, w-as by his making a fire the night
before, when he saw the two privateers aforesaid, judging
them to be English, b\' which, judging it to be an habit-
able island, they had sent their boat to see ; and so he
came miraculously to be redeemed from that solitary and
tedious
ORIGINAL ROBtNSON CRUSOE. 9/
tedious confinement, who otherwise,- in all probahility,
must have miserably ended his life there. He said, that
during his stay there, he iiad seen several ships pass by>
hut only two of them came in to anchor, which he judg-
ed to be Spaniards, and retired from them, upon which
they fired at him ; had they been French, he said he
would have submitted himself; but chose rather to ha-
zard dvins: on the island, than to fall into the hands
of the Spaniards in those parts, because he believed they
would either murder him, or make him a slave in their
mines. The Spaniards landed so near him, before he
knew where they were, that he had much ado to escape ;
for they not only shot at him, but pursi^.ed him into the
woods, where he climbed up to the top of a tree, at
the foot of which they made water, and killed several
goats just by, but went off without diseovering him. —
He told them, that he was born at Largo, in the county
of Fife in Scotland, and was bred a sailor from his youth.
The reason of his being left on this melancholy island,
was a difference |)etwi.\t him and his captain, whieh, to-
gether with the ship being leaky, made him willing
rather to stay there than go along with him at first, and
when he was at last willing to go, the captain would not
receive him. He had been, he said, on the island to
w^ood and water, when two of the ship's company were
left upon it for six months, till the hhip returned, being
chaccd there by two FrtMieh South-sea ships. He had
with him his clothes and bedding, with a lirelock, some
powder, bullets, and tobacco, a hatchet, a knife, a kettle,
a bible, some practical pieces, and his mathematical
instruments and books. He diverted and provided for
himself as well as he could ; but for the first eight months
he had much ado to bear up against melancholy, and the
terror of being left alone in such a desolate place. He
built two huts with Piemento trees, covered them with
Vol. H. O Ion?
93 ORIGINAL ROBINSON CRL-SOK.
long gr<i^s, nnd lined them with the ^kiiis of goats,
which he killed with his gun as he wanted^ so long as
liis powder l;isledj which was htit a pound ; and that be-
ing near spent, he got fire hy rubbing two sticks of Pie-
mento w ood together upon his knee. In the lesser hut,
at some distance from the other, he dressed hw victuals,
and in tlie larger he slept, and employed himself in
reading, singing psalms, and praying; so that he said he
was a better Christian while in this solitude, or than,
he was afraid, he should ever be again. A\ first he
never eat any thing till hunger constrained him, partly
for grief and partly for want of food and salt; nor did he
go to-bed till he could watch no longer; the Pieinento
wood, which burned very clear, served him both lor
firing and candle, and refreshed him with its fragrant
smell, fie might have had fish enough, but could not
eat them for want of salt, because they occasioned a
looseness, except craw fish, which are there as large as
cur lobsters, and very good : these he sometimes boiled,
and at other times broiled, as he did his goat's flesh, of
which he made very good broth, for they are not so rank
as ours : he kcj)t an account of live hundred that he
killed while there, and caught as manv more, which he
marked on the car and let go. A\'lien his powder fail-
ed, he took them by speed of foot ; for his way of living,
and continual exercise of walking and running, cleared
liim of all gross humours, so than he ran with wonder-
ful swiftness through the woods, and up the rocks and
hills, as we perceived when we employed him to catch
gou's for us. We had a bull-dog, which we sent with
•several of our nimblest runners, to help him in catching
goats ; but he distanced and tired both tiie dog and the
men, eatched the goats and brought tliem to us on his
back. He told us, that his agility in pursuing a goat had
ouec like to havL- cost him his life ; he pursued it with
i
ORIGINAL 110BIN80N CRUSOE. §9
SO much eagerness, that he catched hold of it at tlie
brink' of a precipice, of which lie was not aware, the
bushes having hid it from him ; so that he fell Avith the
goat down the precipice a great height, and was so
gtunned and brui.sed with the fall, that he narrowly es-
caped with his hfe ; and, when he came to his senses,
found the goat dead under him. He lay there about
twenty-four hours, and was scarcely able to crawl to his
hut, which was about a mile distant, or to stir abroad
asraiu in ten davs. He came at last to relish his meat
well enough without salt or bread, and, in the season, had
plenty of good turneps, which had been sowed there by
Captain Dampier^s men, and have now overspread some
acres of a;round. He had enoaii;h of i^ood cabbacres from
the cabbage trees, and seasoned the meat with the bark,
of the Piemento trees, which is the same as the Jamai<JV
pepper, and smells deliciously. He found there also a
black pepper, called Malagita, which was very good to
€xpel wind, and against griping of the guts. He soon
wore out all his shoes and cloaths by running through
the woods ; and, at last, being forced to shift without
them, his feet became so hard, that he ran every where
without annoyance ; and it was some time before he
could wear shoes after we found him ; for, not being used
to any so long, his feet swelled, when he came first to
"wear them again. After he had conquered his melan-
chol}", he diverted himself sometimes by cutting his
name on the tress, and the time of his being left and con-
tinuance there. He v/as at first pestered with cats and
rats, that had bred in great numbers from some of each
species which had got a-shore from the ships that put in
there to wood and water. The rats gnawed his feet and
cloaths, while asleep, which obliged him to cherish the
cats with hi* goats flesh ; by which many of them be-
came so tame, that they wpuid lie about him in hundreds,
O 2 and
100 ORIGINAL ROBINSON CTtUSOE.
and soon delivered him from the rats. He likewise tamed
some kids^ and, to divert himself, would now. and then
sing and dance with his cats; so that by the care of Pro-
vidence, and vigour of hi-s youth, being now but about
thirty years old, he came at last to conquer all the in-»
conveniences of his solitude, and to be very easy. When
his cloaths wore out, he made himself a coat and cap of
goats-skins, which he stitched together with little thongs
of the same, that he cut with his knife. He had no other
uecdle but a nail, and, when his knife was wore to the
back, he made others, as Avell as he could, of some iron
hoops that were left ashore, which he b«at thin an4
ground upon stones. Having some iinnen cloth by him,
he sewed himself shirts with a nail, and stitched them
with the worsted of his old stockings, which he pulled
put on purpose. He had his last shirt on when we found
him in the island. At his first coming on board us, he
had so much forgot his language for want of use, that
we could scarce understand him, for he seemed to speak
his words by halves. We offered him a dram, but he
,would not touch it, having drank nothing but water
since his being there, and it was some time before he
could relish our victuals. He could give us account of
no other product of the island than what we have men-
tioned, except small black plums, which are veiy good,
hut hard to come at, the trees which bear them growing
on high mountains and rocks. Piemento trees are plenty
here, and we saw one sixty feet high, and about two
yards thick ; and cotton trees higher, and near four fa-
thom round in the stock. The climate is so good, that
the trees and grass are verdant allthe year. The winter
Ja^ts no longer than June or July, and is not then se-
vere, there being only a small frost and a little hail, but
^omejimes great rains. The heat of the summer is equal-?
iy moderate,, and there is not much thundcf or tempestu-?
OHIGINAL ROBINSON CRTSOE. 101
ous weather of any sort. He saw no venomous or savage
creature on the ishiiid, nor any olhtr sort of beast but
§oats, &c. as above-mentioned ; the first of which had
been put a-shorc here on purpose for a breed b}' John
Fernando, a (Spaniard, wlio settled there with some fami-
lies for a time, till the continent of Chili be^ran to submit
to the Spaniards; which, being more profitable, tempted
them to quit this island, which is capable of maintaining
a good number of people, and of being made so strong
that they could not be easily dislodged. Ringrose, iu
liis account of Ciiptain Sharp's voyage and other Bucca-
neers, mentions one, who had escaped ashore here, out
of a ship which was cast away with all the rest of the
company, and spys, he lived five years alone, before he
luid the opportunity of another ship to carry him off.
Capt. Dampicr talks of a Moskito Indian, that belonged
to Capt. Watiin ; who, being hunting in the woods,
when the Captain left the island, lived there three years
?ilone, nnd shifted much in the same manner as Mr. Sel-
kirk did, till Capt. Dampier came hither, in l0"84, and
carried him off. The first, that went ashore, was one of
his countrymen, and ihey saluted one another, first by
prostrating themselves by turns on the ground, and then
by embracino-. But, whatever there is in these stories,
this of Mr. Selkirk I know to be true; and hi.^ behaviour
afterwards gives mc reason to believe the account, he.
gave me, how he spent his time, and bore up under such
an affliction, in which nothing but the Divine Proxndence
could have supported any man. By this one may sec,
that solitude, and retirement from the world, is not an
unsuf^'orable state of lile, as most men imagine, especi-
ally when people are fairly thrown into it linavoidabh",
as this man was; who, in all probobility, must otherwise
have perished in the seas, the ship, w^hich left him, be-
ing cast away not long after, and few of the company
escaped.
50^ ANCIEIST MODE OF BUlLDINt, HOUSES.
esca})ed. We ma}^ perceive, by tliis story, the truth of
the Maxim, That necessity is the mother of invtntion ';
since he found means to supply his wants in a very natu-
ral manner, so as to maintain his hfe ; though not so
conveniently, yet as effectually, as we are able to do
with the help of all our arts and society. It may likewise
instruct us, how much a plain and temperate way of
Jivino; conduces to the health of the bodv, and the vigour
of the mind ; both which we are apt to destroy by excess
and plenty, especially of strong liquor, and the variety,
as well as the nature, of our meat and drink ; for this
man, when he came to our ordinary method of diet and
life, though he was sober enough, lost much of lus strength
and agility.
Upon the ANCIENT mode, and progress of building
DWELLING HOUSES in ENGLAND.
J\S one of the plates of our present number contains a
view of the Cross in Cheapside and some of the antique
houses of the Citizens, undoubtedly^ looked upon as per-
fect models in their time, some account of the progress of
iashion in that art may not be disagreeable to the reader,
whose time or avocations may not admit of researches
among the cumbrous volumes of antiquity.
Though the extent or convenience of houses is a ge-
neral indication of the condition of the inhabitants with-
in, it is an undoubted fact, that notwithstanding the
inferiority of the domestic buildings in England to those
of the continent, was evident even down to the reign
of Queen Elizabeth, no nation upon earth fed or fared
better than the Englii,h. On the contrary, it was said of
the common people among the French by Sir John Eor-
tescue, in his treatise de Laudibus Legitm Jngli(c; '' that
they, theFrench drink water — they eat apples with bread
right
AXCIENT MODE OF BUILDING HOUSES. iO.l
rtgbt browii^ made of rye. They cat no flesh but seldom ;
a httle laid, or the entrails or heads ofbeasts, slain for
the nobles and merchants of the land*. And they be com-
pelled so to watch, labour and grub in the ground for
their sustenance that their nature is much wasted — they
grow crooked, are feeble and not able to fight."
But to return to our ancient mode of building: in old
time says Harrison, in his description of England, pre-
fixed to Hollinshed, the houses of the Britons were slight-
ly set up with a few posts, several hurdles, with a stable
and all ofliccs under one roof, the like is to be seen in
the fenny countries and northern parts unto this day,
wJiere, for lack of wood they are enforced to continue
this ancient manner of building. — For want of stuff they
can use no studs v.t all but only frank posts, with here
and there a girding, to which they fasten their splints,
or saddles and then cast it all over with thick clay to
keep out the wind. Certainly this rude kind of building
made the Spaniards in Queen Mary's days, express their
surprize, but chiefly when they saw what rare diet was
used in many of these homely cottages, and which caused
one of note among them to say *' These English, have
their houses made of sticks and dirt, but generally fare
as well as the king."
It was not till the reign of Ilcnry VIH. that glazed
windows came into general use among the wealthier sort.
Somewhat later than that period both yeomen and ftir-
mers were content with windows of lattice or network- —
lioonis also, that were provided with chimnies are men-
tioned as a luxury by the author of Pierce Plowman, and
liarrison treats them as such b_y his remarks as follows,
'' Now
* Here it is to be jioted that the practice of eating of offal, so necessary
for Uie lower orders of people when meat is at a verj' high price, was first
introduced iato this country by the Freucii emigrant Weavers that came
overhere, as persecuted Protestants in the reign of William and Mary.
lOi A^'C1ENT MODE OF BUILDING HOUSfiS,
*"' Now liavc we many cbimnics and yet our tenderliilg.x
complain of rheums, catarrhs, and colds in the liead.
]u)rmer]y we had none but rcre dorses a kind of iron
back, or brick coating against a wall made to resist fire.
Then our heads did not ache ; for as the smoke was sup-
posed to be a sufficient hardening for the timbers of the
bouse, so it was thought a better medicine to keep the
good man and his family from the ague, a disorder at
tiiat time, but little known."
In houses partly made of rafters and clay as abovesaid,
it is not to be supposed that the furniture was very costly.
Our fathers, says the above author, yea and we our-
selves have oiten lain upon straw pallets, or rough mats,
covered only with a sheet, and coverlets made of dag
i<zcain or Imp harlots, and a good round log under their
heads instead of a bolster or pillow. And if a man seven
vears after his marriage, purchased a mattrass or a flock
bed adding thereto a sack of chaff to rest his bones upon,
he thought himself as well lodged as a lord of the town,
who perchance lay seldom on a bed of down or whole
feathers. Servants were content with an upper sheet
only, having none underneath to save thcrn from the
pricking straws that often ran through the canvas of the
pallet.
In the external part of the building, the progress of
improvement was from clay to lath and plaister, such a^>
distinguish the ancient houses in Cheapside, represented
m our plate, and such as are still to be seen in Holywell
StreeJ, the Strand, Sec. At first rude rafters only formed
the cielings; those of mortar and lime were a later cus-
tom. Country houses were generally covered with shin-
gles or thin boards, but slates and tiles were soon found
necessary in towns and cities to prevent damages by fire.
These latter buildings were very solid and consisted of
many stories projecting over each othe*" s«o far that in
narrow
07/(i .)/()/<■ //n ( /■(> If // jro /It //if .Aif/'ct o/J o//f/u/i
Tab. Oil R..S.Kubi/LcnM.on Mcure ra,di.-f.S<uiU. ^4- . Stranti tll!'l./Se4.
COLONEL BLOOD. lOo
narrow lanes, &c. the windows on cacli side ncaily met.
The walls in wealthy houses were decorated cither with
tapestry, arras, or painted cloths, exhibiting divers his-
tories, or herbs, beasts, &c. Till pewter was introduced,
both yeoman and peasants put up with wooden trenchers
and platters. Silver plate, china, and delft have suc-
ceeded : and, generally speaking, the convcniencics with-
in, have kept pace with the improvements without.
To render this sketch complete, it may be proper to
observe, that the cumbrous brick building with casement
windoM's, succeeded those of lath and plaister, while the
more modern mode at once unites elegance arid capa-
ciousness.
Aucient and Modem History funiisli accounts of desperate undertakings by'
individuals; but none exhibits so resolnte and deterniiiicd an adventurer as
Colonel Blood ; wlio, it' his pursuits had Ijeen directed to a laudable purpose,
would have intituled his memory to have ranked with the greatest nameSj
, both as to courage and plans of operation. Cromwell himself was not pos-
eesscd of greater requisites to obtain a great name ; and did not coiue so near
the crown, as this desperate of all rogues.
COLONEL THOMAS IJLOOD.
X HIS daring ruliian was notorious for seizing the person
of the Duke of Ormond*, with an intention to hang him
at
* On the 6th of December, 1670, an assault was nnide in the open streets
upon tb.e Duke of Orniond, of a very singular nature, whether we consider the
boldness of the attempt, or the villany and barbarity of the design. The chief
contriver and manager of this monstrous enterprise, was one Thomas IMood, a
blacksmith's son in Ireland ; a fellow of a fearless courage, but of lli.it worst
sort, which is equally undamited at dangers or at crimes.
He had signalized himself once before by a bold attem])t in which he rescued
one of his wicked comrades in Yorkshire from the sheriff's men, as they were
leading him to the gallows. After this he laid a design in Ireland to surprise
the Castle of Dublin, and the magazine there, and to usurp the government :
but this being discovered by the Duke of Ormond the night before it was to be
executed, some of his accomplices were taken, and executed as traitors. The
deaths of these, Blood and the other surviving rogues, bound thcmscKes by -a
Vol. IL P solemn
.106
C0LONEL BLOOD.
at Tyburri;, and for stealing the crown out of the Tower,
^e was very near being successful in both these enters
prises : it was with no small difficulty that the duke es-
caped, and the crown was wrested from his hands.
The cunning of this boldest of all thieves was
equal to his intrepidity. He told the king, by whom
he was examined, that he had undertaken to kill
him ; and that he went with that purpose to a place
in the river where he bathed i but was struck with so pro-
found an awe upon siglit of his (naked) majesty, that his
resolution failed him, and he entirely laid aside his de-
sign : that he belonged to a band of ruffians equally des-
perate with himself, who had bound themselves by the
stronijest oaths to revensre the death of any of their asso-
ciates. Upon this he received the royal pardon, and had
solemn oath to rcvcngs upon the person of the Duke. Tiiat nobleman lived
at Clarendon House, and was observed by Blood to go usually late home, and
attended with only two or three footmen, which gave that villahi occasion to
lay a plot for the working his intended revenge.
To this end, himself, with five or six more of his associates, well mounted and
armed, waited at the Bull Head Tavern at Ciiaring-Cross, till (he Duke came
'by, and then all took horse and gallopped after him. Tliey overtook him near
l)is own gate, knocked down hu footmen, took him out of his coach, forced
Lira up beiiind one of the horsemen, to vvlioju tlicy tied him, and were p^ing
away with him. The coachman and servants crying out, the porter. came forth,
and seeing what was done, pursued them. The Duke strove so violently to
free himself, that at last he got loose, and threw himself with the villain he was
tyed to, oiF the horse. The rest turned back, and lindhig it impossible to carry
him away, discharged tvo pistols at hini ; but it being so dark, that they coul^
not see to take aim, they missed him both time§. Thp porter and otiier assist-
ance coming up, they were glad to make ha.ste away, leaving the Duke much
bruised with his fall. Their design, as it was afterwards found, was to carry
iiim to Tyburn, and there to hang him with a paper pinned to his breast, ex-
pressing the reasons of this monstrous piece of villany. The king offered ^
thousand pounds for the discovery of any one concerned in it. But with so
horrible a fidelity were these wretches linked together, that so great a reward
produced no discovery ; and they had been for ever unknown, had not the
attempt on the crown led Blood to the confession of this attempt on th$
Puke.
a hand?
COJ.ONEL BLOOD. 107
S bandscime pension assigned him of 6001. per year. He
Was now no longer eonsidtired as an impudent criminal,
hilt as a court favourite; and application was made to
the throne by tlic mediation of Mr. Blood*. Ob. 24
Aug. 1680.
The particulars of his attempt on the crown and regalia
in the Tower of London, is related by Mr. Edwards him-
self, at that time, keeper.
About three weeks before he put his intended plan in
execution, he came to the Tower as a stranger, to see
the curiositiesj habited as a clergyman, with a long
cloak^ cassock, and canonical girdle, and brought a wo-
man with him, whom he called his wife^ though it after-
wards appeared his real wile was ill at the time in Lan-
cashire : his pretended wife after seeing the crown, &c.
feigned a sudden indisposition, and desired ]Mr. Edwards
to procure her some spirits, who immediately caused his
wife to fetch some ; after wh-ich, appearing to be some-
what recovered, Mrs< Edwards invited her up stairs^
where she pretended to repose herself for some time on a
bed; after which they departed, with great thanks for
the attention received.
In three or four days after, Blood called on Mrs. Ed-
wards, with a present of iour pair of white gloves j and
having began the acquaintance, made frequent visits to
improve it, accompanied by his pretemled wife, who pro-
* Dt. Walter Pope, in his ''Life of Bishop Ward," riifornis us, "that
Blood, being of a sviddeu become a grea< favourite at court, and the chief agent
of the dissenters, bronglit tiie hisliop a' verbal message from the king not to
molest them ; upon whidi he went to waif on his majesty, and humbly repre-
sented to him, that there were only two troublesome nonconformists in hiu
diocese, whom he doubted not, witli his majesty's permission, but that he
should bring to tlirir duty ; and then he named them. These are the very men,
replied the king, 7/011 miift not med'Ue uith: to which he obeyed, letting rhe.
prosecution a^aiwst them fall."
P 2 fsiiei
108 COLONEL BLOOD.
lessed she could never sufiieicutly repay the kindness
received.
T3Ioodj in one of his visits to the Edwards's, observed
that his wife eoidd discourse ot" nothing- but the kindness
of the good peo[)le in the Tower; adding she had thought
on a plan to cement a lasting friendship between them,
which was: Mr. Edwards havinir a duuohter at that tini«
marriageable, that a match should take place between
her and a pretended nephew of his, who had from two
to three hundred pounds a-year.
This proposal was easily assented to by old Mr. Ed-
^vards, who invited the person to dine with him, which
was readily accepted by our adventurer, who taking upon
him to say grace, performed it with great devotion, and
concluded a long winded one, with a pra^^er for the king,
queen, and royal family. After dinner he went to sec
tiie rooms, and observing a handsome pair of pistols, he
expressed a great desire to buy them, to present to a
young lord, his acquaintance; but it wjis afterwards
thought l)ut to disarm the house against his intended
depredation.
At his departure, which was with a cononical benedic-
tion of the good company, he appointed a day and hour
to bring his young nephew to his mistress; and it was
that very day that he made his attempt, viz. the 9th of
May, about seven in the morning. Anno lG73.
The old man was got up ready to receive his guest,
and the daughter had put herself into her best dress to
entertain her gaUant; when behold Parson Blood, with
three more, came to the jewel-house, all armed uith
Vapicr blades in their canes, and every one a dagger and
a pair of pocket-pistols. Two of his companions entered
vith him, and the third staid at the door, it seems for a
watch. The daughter thought it not modest for her to
l-'oine down till she was called, but sent her maid to view
the
COLONEL BLOOD. 109
the company, and bring Iut a description of her Intended
liusbaiui. The uiiiid conceived that he was the intended
bridegroom who staid at the door, because he was the
youngest oi' the company, and returned to her young
mistress with the character she had formed of his
person.
Blood told ]Mr. Edwards, that they would not go up
stairs till his wife came, and desired him to shew his
friends the crown to pass the time. But as soon as they
entei'ed the room where the crown was kept, and the door
as usual shut behind them, they threw a cloak over the
old man's head, and clapped a gag into his mouth,
which was a great plug of wood^ w^ith a small hole in the
middle to take breath; this was tied with a wax leather
round his neck, at the same time they fastened an iroa
liook to his nose, that no sound might pass that way.
When they had thus secured him, they told him their
resolution was to take the ciiown, globe, and sceptre; and
that if he would quietly submit, they would spare his life;
otherwise he was to expect no mercy.
He thereupon made as much noise to be heard ns pos-
sible; on which they knocked him down with a wooden
mallet, and told him if he would lay quiet, they would
still spare his life, but if not, on the next attempt to make
a noise they would kill him ; but he straining to make
a greater noise, they gave him nine or ten strokes with
the mallet, as appeared afterwards by the bruises on his
liead, and stabbed him in the belly.
Mr. Edwards was at this time almost eighty years of
age, and appearing not to breathe, one of them said he is
dead, i*ll warrant him; but coming a little to himself^
he judged it prudent to lay quiet.
One of them named Parrot concealed the globe in his
cloaths. Blood held the crown under his cloak, and the
third was about to file the sceptre in two, it being too
long;
liO ColoKel elood.
long to put in a bag they had brought for the pufposc.
But before the}' could accomplish this, young Mr. Ed-
wards, who had been into Flanders, providentially return-'
cd to England, and arrived at the Tower to visit his aged
father at the very time they were thus employed; and
coming to the jewel-house observed tlieir centinely and
told him if he had any business with his father, he Avould
go up stairs and inform him. In the mean time the cen-
tinel gave notice of the son's arrival, on which they hasted
away with the crown and globe, not havino;' time to file
the sceptre; and as they did not think of tying the old
man's hands, lie immediately got up, and cried Treason!
Murder !
His daughter on hearing him, fan out upon Tower Hill,
and cried Treason! the crown is stolen! and Blood, with
Parrot, n^aking more than common haste^ were observed
to jog against each other, which caused them to be sus-
pected. By this time young Edward?, with a Captain
Beckman, went in pursuit of the villains, and the alarm
being given to the warder at the drawbridge, he attempt-
ed tostop them, but Blood coming up to him, discharged
a pistol, through fear of which lie fell, though not liurt>
and they got safe to the little ward-house-gate, where a
soldier, who had served under Cromwell, seeing them
shoot at the warder, though he stood ccntinel at the last
gate, suffered them through cowardice to pass to Tower
Hill, and were proceeding to St. Catharines, commonly
called the Iron Gate, where their horses were in waiting,
crying all the way they ran. Stop the Rogues! They
being thought innocent by the disguise of Blood's cano-
nical robes, till Captain Beckman coming up to them.
Blood discharged his second pistol at his head, but he
stooping down avoided the shot, and seized the rogue
>vho bad the crown under his cloak, yet had he the im-
pudence to struggle a long time, till the crown was fairly
wrcstc d
COLONEL BLOOD. Ill
Wrested from him_, which when he loosed, he said it was
a gaJlant attempt how unsuccessFul soever; for it was for
H crown. Parrot was taken hefore Blood hy a servant of
Captain Sheaburn. Some innocent persons had near
suffered for the guilty; as young pdwards, overtaking a
man who was blooded by the scuffle, was going to run
him through as bjs father's murderer, but v;as stayed
by Captaiu Beckman, who e-vchumed, he is none of
them ]
Hunt, Blood's son-in-law, leaped on his horse, with two
more of the set, and rode away ; but a cart_, standing
empty in the street, chanced to turn short, and Hunt run
liis head against a pole that stuck out, but recovering his
legs, was remounting; but being known by a coblcr, who
Was running to enquire the disaster, said_, '' This is Tom
Hunt, who was in that bloody attempt on the Duke of
Ormond." A constable being on the spot, immediately
seized him, and carried him before Justice Smith, who,
upon liis confident denial of being the same Hunt, was
about to discharge him ; but the hue and cry coming from
the Tower, he was committed to s^fe custody.
Young Edwards proposed to Lieutenant Jiainsford tp
mount some of his soldiers upon the horses that were left,
find send them to follow the rest that escaped ; but he
bade him follow them himself, it was his lousiness, and
led the horses into the Tower as forfeited to the lieutenant.
Hunt, as hath been said, was son-in-law to Blood, and
trained bv him to desueratc undertakings.
Parrot was a silk-dyer in Southwark ; and in the civil
wars had been Major General Harrison's lieutenant.
In the struggle for the crown, the great pearl and a fine
diamond fell out, and were lost for a time, with some
smaller stones. But the pearl was found by Catherine
Maddox, a poor sweeping woman to one of the warder's,
»ud the diamond by a barber's apprentice^ and both faith-
full
112 AN EXTRAOKDINAKT EARTHQUAKE^ 8CC.
fully restored. O^her smaller stones were by several per-
sons picked up and brouglil in. The line ruby belonginu;
to the sceptre was found in Parrot's pocket; so that not
any considerable thing was wanting. The crown only
was bruised, and sent to repair.
The king was immediately informed of the particidars,
and ordered a proper examination of all the parties; but
being advised to hear the examination himself. Blood
appeared to be so little intimidated, that the king was in-
duced not only to pardon him and his associates, but
granted him a pension of oOOl. per annum; as Blood de-
clared, there were hundreds of his friends bound by so-
lemn engagements to revenge the death of any of their
fraternity, not excepting even the life of his majesty.
Mr. Edwards had a grant of '200/. and his son 100/.
Though many persons solicited a greater reward for the ser-
vices of the old keeper and his son, no farther notice was
taken of them, though the old gentleman was so much dis-
tressed as to sell his order on the treasury of 100/. for 50 /.in
order to pay his surgeon for drugs, &.c. with th6 best part,
and dying within a year and a month after he had re-
ceived the wounds, did not greatly enjoy the little rem-
nant of reward for his loyalty.
AN EXTRAORDINARY EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA.
On the 19th of Juno, 1718, an earthquake extended
through several inland provinces of China, in some of
which the shocks were slight, and consequently neither
long nor terrible, while, in other places, the gates and
walls of cities were thrown down and laid in ruins ; but
it was dreadful beyond description at Yong-ning-tchin,
which was entirely swallowed up, without leaving the
least mark either of men, houses, or animals ; while seve-
ral mountains were thrown over a plain to the distance of
' above
ACCOLNT OF JOHN FERGUSON, &C. 113
above two leaoues. The earth opened near the town of
Tong-ouei, and the mountains f'alhng, rolled over the
town from north to south; so that, in an instant, tlie
wiiole town was in a manner overwhelmed: the treasury,
the public granaries, the houses, prisons, prisoners, all
were buried in the earth; and of the governor's whole
family, only himself, a son, and a valet escaped. The
plain rose in waves to the height of six fathoms or more;
and so terrible was the desolation, that scarce three per-
sons in ten were saved.
J
A RECOVERY OF SIGHT.
AMES ORR, of the parish of Comber, in the county
of Down, in Ireland, died about the year 1752, or 53, in
the ninety-third of his age. Eight years before his death
he recovered his eye-sight (having been blind twenty
years) so perfectly as to be able to read a small print
without spectacles.
The ancient and present state of Dozen, 1754.
.An Account of John Ferguson of Killmellford in the
shire of Argyh in Scotland, zcho lived Eighteen Yean
on Hater.
About the year 1745 he happened to overheat himself
on the mountains, in pursuit of cattle, and in that con-
dition drank excessively of cokl water from a rivulet,
near which he fell asleep; he awaked twenty-four hours
after in a high fever: during the paroxysm of the fever,
and ever since that time, his stomach loaths and cannot
retain ;iuy kind oi" aliment, except water, or clarified
whev. Archibald CambcU of Incverlivcr, to whont this
man's father was tenant, carried him to liis own house, and
locked him in a chamber for twenty days, and supplied
Vol. n. Q himself
114 THE CRUEL MIDV.IFE, &,C.
himself with water, at no greater quantity in a day
than an ordinary man would use for common drink; and
at the same time took particular care that it should not be
] - blc for his guest to supply himself with any other
ibod ; yet afttr that space of time he found no alteration
in his vigour or visage.
THE CRUEL M I DV»'IFE, W ITH HER HORRIBLE PUNISHMENT.
IN the year If)73, an eminent midwife in Paris had, by
her great skill in her profession, obtained the favours of
the greater part of the inhabitants — the genteeler of
whom she delivered at their own houses j but for those,
whom either inclination, or a worse cause, made it neces-
sary to be secretly delivered, she had provided accom?
modations at her own house, to which great numbert
resorted.
It happened that a gentleman who lived next door to
the midwife had observed, that although many pregnant
women went to he delivered at her house, yd very few
children were brought out, and his suspicions of foul play
towards tiie infants increasing daily; he at length con-
sulted with some of his neighbours, who joined him in
requesting a warrant from a magistrate to search for some
plate, which they pretended to have lost. In order, how-
ever, not to iihirm the midwife, they began their sham
searcii at the distance of nine or ten houses from her's.
\V'lien they came, however, to her abode, she affected
the utmost unconcern, desiring the gentlemen not to
hurry themselves, but to proceed in their search, with all
possible circumspection; — they did so — and on their
coming to the necessary-house, they put down a hook,
which they had brought with them on purpose, and took
up the body of a child newly destroyed. They con-
tinweJ the fcarch, till they had found no let'.s than sixty-
two
THE CRUEL MIDWIFE, Sec. 115
two children — some of whom were in great measure
decayed; but many of them appeared to have been
deposited in that place within a very few weeks at the
most.
The consequence of this was, that the midwife was
immediately apprehended, and brought to trial, and con-
demned on the fullest evidence, besides her own confes-
sion. She was sentenced to be executed in the following
manneiv, and she suiTered accordingly on the 28th day
of May, 1673.
" A gibbet was erected, under which a fire was made,
and the prisoner being brought to the place of execution,
was hung up in a large iron cage, in which were also
placed sixteen wild cats, which had been catched in the
woods for the purpose. — When the heat of the fire be-
came too great to be endured with patience, the cats flew
upon the woman, as the cause of the intense pain they
felt. — In about fifteen minutes they had pulled out her
intrails, though she continued yet alive, and sensible, im-
ploring, as the greatest favour, an immediate death from
the hands of some charitable spectator. No one, how-
ever, dared to afford her the least assistance j and she
continued in this wretched situation for the space of
thirty-five minutes, and then expired in unspeakable
torture."
At the time of her death, twelve of the cats were ex-
pired, and the other four were all dead in less than two
minutes afterwards.
However cruel this execution* may appear with regard
* It has been sugf^csted by some writers that were the crime of murder pim%
ished ill this country by a more exemplary mode than now practi^^ed, our history
would not be so often disgraced \vith tli«t most horrid oiTence ; but it has been
wisely answed, that wliile our laws are justly acknowledged the mildest in the
world, rn.iece.isnry and lingering torments are as wisely dispensed with j as the
(;.)nscienc8 of t very offender in this way must be evidently more poignant than
that uf the greatest outward torture !
Q 2^ to
llG WONDERFUL IISCAPE.
to the poor animals, it certainly cannot be thought too
severe a punishment for such a monster of iniquity, as
could calmly proceed in acquiring a fortune by the deli-
berate nnudcr of such numbers of harmless innocents.
The above story is strictly trUe in every part of it, and
as v\ell known in Paris, as tliose of Mary Blandy, or Eliz.
Jefferics in Kngland,
AN INSTANCE OF GKATITUDE.
oIR William Fitzwiliians the elder, being a merchant-
taylor, and servant souictinies to cardinal Woolsey, was
chosen alderman of Broadstreet ward in London, 1506.
Going afterwards to dwell at Milan in Northamptonshire,
in the fall of the cardinal, his former master, he gave
him kind entertainment at his house in the country; for
vliich, being called before the king, and demanded how
he durst entertain so great an cnemj- to the state? His
answer was, "That he had not contempluousl}', or wil-
fully done it; hut only because he had been his master,
and partly the means of his greatest fortunes." The king
was so w ell pleased with his answer, that, saying himself
had few such servants, he immediately knighted him, and
afterwards made him one of his privy-council.
WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
A. DUTCH seaman being condemned to death, his pun-
ishment was changed, and he was ordered to be left at
St. Helleu's island. This unhappy person representing
t himself the horror of that solitude, fell upon a resolution
to attempt the strangest action that evc-r was heard of.
There had that day been interred in the same island an
officer of the ship: the seaman took up the body out of
the coffin ; and having made a kind of rudder of the upper
board, ventured himself to sea in il. It happened for-
junatcl}' to him to he so gre;it :i calni that the ship lay
iniBiurQabh:
t
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF PIERCY. 1 17
immoveable witliin a league and a half of the island;
when his companions seeing so strange a boat float upon
the waters,, imagined they saw a spectre, and were not a
little startled at the resolution of the man, who durst
hazard himself upon that clement in three boards slightly
nailed together, though he had no confidence to find or
be received by those who had so lately sentenced him to
death. Accordingly it was put to the question, whether
he should be received or not; some would have the sen-
tence put in execution, but at last mercy prevailed, and
Jic was taken aboard, and came afterwards to Holland;
where he lived in the town of Horn, and related to many
how miraculously God had delivered him.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF PIERCY.
iVlALCOLM, king of Scotland, having laid siege to
Alnwick Castle, which being unable to resist him, must
liave inevitably fallen into his hands, as no relief could
be expected ; whereupon a young Englishman, without
any other arms than a slight spear in his hand, at the end
whereof hunoj the kevs of the castle, rode into the ene-
my's camp, and approaching near the king, slooping
the lance, as if he intended to present him with the keys
of the garrison, but at the same time made such a home
thrust at the king, that piercing him into his brain,
through one of his e^-es, he fell down dead, and the bold
undertaker escaped by the swiftness of his horse.
From this desperate action, he took tipon himself the
name of Pcrcic, or Pierce-eye. And from him descended
the ancient earls of Northumberland.
T<^ TH): r.DlTOR OF THE SeiENTIFIC AND WONDERFUL
MI'S ELM.
Sir.
According to prcmiisc, I now si-nd vou more Miscellaneous Arlicles, wliich
To'i will liiid no ways inlccior to luv loriuer accounts under the same title,
aud
118 TWO INSTANCES OF FECUNDITY.
and as well authenticated ; which leaves me no room to doubt but they will
procure a place in the Scientific and Wonderful Museum, which will oblig*.
niany besides. Your Occasional Correspondent
Nottingham, February 4th, 18,04. D. B. L.
A MARVELLOUS TEMPEST OF THUNDER
Occurred in the year 1558, in the sixth of Queen
Mary, about four months before her death, viz. on the
7th of July within a mile of JNottingham, was a marvel-
lous tempest of thunder, which as it came through two
towns, Lenton and Wilford, the former on the north, the
latter on the south side of the River Trent, exactly oppo-
site, and each one mile from Nottingham, beat down all
the houses and churches, the bells were cast to the out-
side of the church-yards, and some webs of lead 400 feet
into the field writhen like a pair of gloves. The River
Trent running betwixt the towns, the water with the mud
in the bottom was carried a quarter of a mile, and cast
against the trees; the trees were pulled up by the roots,
and cast twelve score foot distance; also a child was
taken forth from a man's hands two spear length high,
and carried an hundred foot, and then fell, wherewith his
arm was broke, and so died ; five or six men thereabout
were slain. There fell some hail-stones that were fifteen
inches about. — Vide Deerino^'s Hist. Nottingham.
TWO INSTANCES OF FECUNDITY.
June 21, 1778, the wife of Thomas Robinson, Rope-
maker, Ouse-bridge-end, "^ orI<, was delivered of three
girls all lively They had been married ten years, and
had eleven children, seven of whom v>ere born within
the last four years and nine months preceding the above
time.
Peccmber
A SINGULAR INSTANCE, &C. 119
December 20, 1779, "^'^I's. Smithcrs of Red Lion Street,
was delivered of two boys and a girl ; and what is very
remarkable, that she was fifty years of age, and never had
a child before.
Singular Instance of a Woman s Recovering after hating
Swallozced about Eighty Pins.
IN the month of November, 1779, as a joung woman
named Mary Spclmore (who lived in St. Peter's parish,
Derby) was hanging out some linen to dry, she had the
shocking misfortune to swallow a great number of pins,
which she had put in her mouth, by a sudden emotion
of the line on which the cloaths were hung. A surgeon
being immediately sent for, and proper means used, she
voided several that day, and continued to throw up more
or less for many days after the accident happened; but
what is very extraordinary, notwithstanding the violent
retching fits with which she was attacked v.ith, she never
voided more than one at a time, though the number
amounted in foiu" days to 76, all of which came upwards,
excepting three only. Some of the pins were remarkably-
long ones; and at first her convulsions were so strong,
that it was with difficulty several persons could hold her.
But she being continually troubled with a pain in her
side, arms, and other parts of her body, shortly after en-
tered the hospital at Nottingham (part of which hospital
is for the use of the poor of Derby,) there gathered a
tumor in her left side and near her left shoulder. These
were suppurated and opened, and several pins came out
by these wounds. She was after this discharged from the
hospital perfectly cured. It was about five months from
her first swallowing the pins to her being pronounced
cured.
A RKMAK-
( i^^o )
A UTlMAllFvAULE IxNSTANCE OF ABSTINENCE FROM F001>
-Ann, the daughter of Jonathan Walsh, of Harrow-
Gate, in Yorkshh-e, at the age of twelve years, entirel}
lost her appetite, and she had not eaten of any kind of
solid victuals for several years after, and her support was
nothing but half apintof wine and water, which served her
three days; notwithstanding so small a quantity, she en-
joyed to her death a good state of health, which happened
in the year 1778.
TWO KEMARKABLE AND PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPES FROM
DEATH.
J\T St. Blazey, in Cornwall, a very singular accident
au'l providential escape occurred in that place in the year
179-1. — Mr. Potter of that place determining to get rid of
a large mischievous mastiff, took him to a mine shaft of
tremendous depth, and having tied a stone round the ani-
mal's neck, attempted to throw the creature therein;
when the dog instantly seizing Mr. Potter by the collar,
they both tumbled iiito the pit together, and notwith-
standing the amazing height they both fell, neither wa?
killed; but one of Mr. Potter's Icgts was unfortunatelv
so much hurt, as to render amputation necessary; how-
ever, he shortly after recovered. The accident was dis-
covered about sixteen hours after, entirely through the
loud and dismal bowlings of the dog.
October 179f)- — As a lad, named Clarke, was at work
in a gravel pit at Rowborough, Somerset, the timber
gave way, and he was buried near eleven fathoms under
ground. A number of men immediately ^^et to work to dig
for him, supposing he was crushed to death ; when thej' h.id
dug down to him, to their astonishment, notwithstanding
he bad remained inidcr tlie earth near thirty-two hours,
he was taken out without exp<Miencing the least i-njury.
si,\-
( 121 )
SINCULAK PHENOMENON.
On Sunday, the C5th of December, 1790, about tert
o'clock in the morning there appeared floating in the at-
mosphere minute particles of ice, which in about an hour
became condensed, and fell in sleet, covering the surface
of the ground with ice. The cold was intense that morn-
ing; the thermometer was i 6 degreesf below the freezing
point. This phenomenon was never before seen but in
very high latitudes. — ^Observations on the above were
taken near Mansfield, in the County of Nottingham.
D. B. L.
to THE EDITOR OF KIRBy's SCIENTIFIC itlUSEUM.
Sir,
if you think tlie following Letter of the great Dr. Franklin to M. Dubourg, on
llie Prevailing Doctrines of Life and Death, worth your acceptance to be
inserted in your truly Valuable Museum, it is wholly at your service.
Your's, (ice. — A Lover of Facts '
DEAR SIR,
Y OUR observations on the causes of death, and the
experiments which you propose for recalling to life those
who appear to be killed by lightning, demonstrate equally
your sagacity and your humanity. It appears that the
doctrines of life and death, in general, are yet but little
wnderstood.
A toad buried in sand will live, it is said, till the sand
becomes petrified ; and then, being inclosed in the stone*
it may still live for we know not how many years or ages'
The facts which are cited in support of this opinion are?
too numerous and too circumstantial not to deserve a
certain degree of credit. As we arc accustomed to see
all the animals with which we are acquainted eat and
drink, it appears to us difficult to conceive how a toad
can be supported in such a dungeon; but if we reflect
hat the necessity of nourishment, which animals expe
Vol. II, R rience
122 LETTER or DR. FRANKLIX.
rience in their ordinary state, proceeds lioni the continnal.
waste of th«ir substance by perspiration, it will apj)ear less
incredible tliat some animals in a torpid state, perspiring
less because tliey use no exorcise, should have less need
of aliment; and tlial others, who are covered with scales
or shells, which stop perspiration, such as land and sea-
turtles, serpents, and every species offish, should be able
to subsist a considerable time without any nourishment
whatever. A plant, with its ilowers, fades and dies im-
mediately if exposed to the air, without having its root
immersed in an humid soil, from which it may draw a
sufficient quantity of moisture to supply that which ex-
hales from its substance, and is carried &S continually
by the air. Perhaps, however, if it were buried in quick-
silver, it might preserve ff)r a considerable space of time
its vegetables life, its smell, and coIomjt. If this be the
case, it might prove a commodious method of transport-
ing from distant countries those delicate plants which
are unable to sustain the inclemency ©f the weather at
sea, and which require particular care and attention.
1 have seen an instance of common flies preserved in a
manner somewhat similar. They had been drowned in
Madeira wine, apparently, about the time when it was
bottled in Virginia to be sent to London. At the open-
ing of one of the bottles, at the house of a friend where
I then was, three drowned Hies fell into the first glass that
Was filled. Having heard it remarked that drowned flies
were capable of being revived by the rays of the sun, I
proposed making the experiment upon these: they were,
therefore, exposed to the sun upon a sieve, which had
been employed to strain them out of the wine. In less
than three hours two of them began by degrees to reco-
ver life. This commenced by some convulsive motions
in the thighs, and at length they, raised themselves upon
their legs, wiped their eyes with their fore-feet, beat and
brushed
ANIMALS FOUND IN SOLID SUBSTANCES. 12S
brushed their wings with their hind-feet, and soon after
began to fly, finding themselves in okl England without
knowing how they came thither. The third continued
iifeless till sun-set, when, losing all hopes of hira, he was
thrown away.
I wish it were possible, from this instance, to invent a
mctliod of embalming drowned persons, in such a myn-
ner that they might be recalled to life at any period how-
ever distant; for, having a very ardent desire to see and
observe the state of America an hundred years hence, I
should prefer to an ordinary death, the being immersed
ill a cask of Madeira wine with a few friends till that
time, to be then recalled to life by the solar warmth of
my dear countr}'. But since, in all probability, we live
in an age too early, and too near the infancy of science,
to hope to see such an art in our time brought to perfec-
tion, I must, for the present, content myself with the treat
which you are so kind as to promise me of the resurrec-
tion of a fowl or a turkey-cock. I am, dear Sir,
Your sincere friend^
Benjamin Franklin,
To substantiate the doctor's opinion, the following will
be found well worth preserving.
In l6So, Blondel reported to the academy at Paris
that there were frecjuently found at Toulon, stones in
which were oysters, good to eat.
In 1(585, Cassini mentioned a fact of a similar nature,
upon the authority of M. Duraffe, who had been sent am*
bassador to Constantinople, and who had assured him
that he had found very hard stones in which were in-
closed little fish, called dacti/ls or razor-Jish; but the
following appear to be at the least as surprizing^ and are
much more recent.
Some workmen in the quarries of Bourswic, i*i Gothia,
having detached a block of stone, one of them broke it,
R2 an4
124 ANI-MAI,S FOUND IN SOLID SUBSTANCKS.
and found in it a living toad. It was attempted to cut out
the part which bore the impression, but it fell into sand.
This animal was of a grey-black colour, with its back
somewhat spotted, appearing as if incrusted with small
particles of the stone : the colour of its belly was brighter.
Jts eyes, which were small and round, sparkled with iirc,
from under a tender membrane, by which they were co-r
yered. They vyere of the colour of pale gold. When
touched on the head with a stick, he closed his eyes, as
if asleep, and re-opened tliem little by little, when the
stick was taken away. Besides this, he had no motion,
The aperture of his mouth was closed by a yellow mem-
Ibrane, Being pressed on the back, he ejected a clear
water, and died. Under the membranes which covered
his mouth, were found in the upper and lower jaws, two
sharp incisive teeth, stained with a little blood.
Leprince,'a celebrated sculptor, assures us of his having
seen in 175G, at Eccrctteville, in a chateau belonging to
M, Larivierre-Resdo, a toad living within the hollow of
a hard stone, in which he was confined ; and facts of this
jiind are by no means singular.
In 1764, the workmen in the quarries of Savonieres, in
Lorraine, came to inform the sagacious Grignon that they
had found a toad in a block of stone at forty-five French
feet below the surface of the earth. This celebrated nar-
turalist immcdiaiely went to the spot; but, as he assures
us, in his excellent work, entitled, Memoires de Physique
sur Vurt dcfahriqucr Icfcr, he found no vestige of the ani-
mal's prison. He saw a crack in the body of the stone,
but no impression of the body of the animal. The toad
■which had been brought him was of the middling size, of
a grey colour, and apparently in its ordinary condition.
He was assured that this was the first he had found during
thirty years in those quarries. The fact certainly deserved
t-p be clpsjily foUpwed up ; wherefore Griguou promised
ye com-?
ANIMALS POUND IN SOLID SUBSTANCES. 125
I'ccompencc to him that should find another, so iiichjscci
in the stone that it could not get out.
In 1770, he was shewn one in two concave leaves of
stone, in which he was assured it had been lound; but,
on examining the fact with scrupulous attention, Grignou
found that the cavity was the impression of a shell, and,
consequently, he thought himself bound to regard the
fact as apocryphal. Nevertheless, in 1771^ tlie same
fact re-appeared on the spot, and became the subject of
a curious memoir which was read by Guettard, to the
royal academy of sciences at Paris. The following arc
the principal circumstances reported by that naturalist.
In levelling a wall which was known to have stood
more than an hundred years, there was found, in the
midst of a large block of stone, a toad, which, upon in-
spection, appeared to have only very lately died. No
passage by which it might have entered the stone could
be traced. It was presented to the academy in its recent
state.
V arious facts of this nature, but particularly this itself,
and the observations made on it by Guettard, induced
Herissant, who was then living, to pursue experiments
adapted to the discovery of the truth.
On the (2 1st of February 1771, he inclosed three living-
toads in as many cells of plaster, fabricated in a trunk of
fjr, covered at all points with a body of mixed brick and
plaster. On the 8th of April 1774, he opened the trunk,
and found two of the toads living. That which occupied
the cell in the centre was dead ; but it was observable
that this had been larger than the other*, and vcrj
much straitened for room. A careful examination of this
experiment led those who were witnesses of it to conclude,
that those animals had been completely excluded from
all commuuicatiou with the exterior air, and heat, they
had
126 ANIMALS fOl'ND IN SOLID SUBSTANCES.
had lived during the lapse of time in total privation of
food.
The academy engaged this philowpher to repeat liis
experiment. After having witlidrawn tlie dead toad_, he
enclosed the two living ones again, and deposited his
trunk in the hands of the secretary of the academy^ in
order that that illustrious body might open it v/henevcr
it should think proper : but he was too much occupied
with the subject to conline himself to this single experi-
ment; he continued^ therefore, the three following;
1. On the 15th of the next April, he enclosed, with
minute accuracy, two living toads in a nest of plaster,
covered with glasses, through which he could see the
animals, and examine them every day. On the Qtl^ o
the subsequent month he carried this apparatus to the
academy, and showed them one of the toads alive ; but
the other had died on the preceding evening.
2. On the same da\', the 1 jth of the preceding April,
he had enclosed two other living toads in another nest
of plaster, but which was still better secured, with a
funnel of glass. These animals were placed on a little
sand ; and b}' means of the funnel, at periods of eight
days, he let fall three drops of water on their backs, be-
ing afterward careful to close the opening of the funnel
with mortar.
3. He further enclosed another living toad in a jug,
which he surrounded with sand, so as to deprive it of all
communication with exterior air : this animal, which he
presented to the academy at the same time with the others
continued in health, and even croaked whenever her jug
was shaken.
It is unfortunate that this naturalist was prevented by
death from pursuing these experiments a sufficient length
of time. His first, however, has established that two
toads lived in healthy during more than three years, in '
a stale
ANIMALS FOUND IN SOLID SUBSTANCES. 127
-I state of total privavion of all nourishment and exterior
air.
We shall observe on this subject, that if these animals
sustain abstinence during a period whicli, at first sight,
appears marvellous, this faculty is given them, on the
one hand, by a slovi^ digestion, and, on the other, per-
haps, by the nourishment which they derive from their
skins. Grignon has actual!}'^ observed to this purpose,
that toads shed their skins several times durini2f a vear,
and that they swallow them. A large toad ; he tells us,
sheds it six times in the space of a winter. In fine,
those which, according to the relations above transcrib-
ed, may be imagrined Lo have passed several ages with-
out taking nourishment, have been in a state of total
inaction, in a suspension of life, and in an atmosphere
the temperature of which allowed no dissipation of their
substance: hence they have had no need to repair any
loss ; aiul it appears certain that the moisture of the
place has kept up that of the animal, so much only being
requisite as might serve to prevejit its destruction, by
the diymg of its parts.
Toads are not the only animals which have the pri-
vilege of retaining life during long continuance of fasting
and exclusion from air. The two facts related at tlie
commencement of this as shall furnish proofs, and they
are strongly supported by the following :
There were found in Spain, in the midst of a block of
marble, which a sculptor of Madrid was forming into a
lion of the natural colour, for the royal palace, two
Jiving worms. These worms occupied two little cavities,
neither of which had any issue, by which air could have
introduced itself. They were to all appearance, nou-
rished by the substance of the marble, for they were of
the same colour. This fact was authenticated by Cap-
tain Ulloa^ a celebrated Spaniard^ who conducted tli?
voyage
12S ASiMALS found iX SOLID SUBStANCESI.
voyage made by the French academicans to Peru, to de-
termine the figure of the earth. He a^-sertcd that he
had seen the worms.
A searabtBus, of the species called capiicorni/s mh^
found alive in a piece of wood taken from the keel of a
vessel lying in tlie harbour of Portsmouth. No opening
could be discovered in the wood. Several considerations
however render this fact suspicious.
We read in tlie public papers of Provence, for tlie
ITlbof.lune 1772, that a living adder Mas found in a
block of stone of thirty Prench feet diameter, the cen-
tre of which it occupied. It was twisted nine times round
itself, in a spiral line. It could not support the weight
of the atmosphere, but died in a few minutes after it was
taken from the stone. On examining the stone, not the
least crevice could be discovered, through which it
might have cre})t, nor the minutest opening through
which it could have received fresh air, or inhale any
sort of substance.
Misson mentions, in his travels in Italy, a living crab,
which was found in the midst of a marble at Tivoli,
Peyssonel, physician to the king, at Guadalonpe, caus-
ing a well to be dug ai his house, the workmen found
living frogs in the midst of beds of petrifactions, Peys-
sonel, apprehensive of some fraud, descended himself
into the well, caused the beds of rock and petrifactions
to be dug in his presence, and took out, with his own
hands, green frogs, exactly similar to the common.
The following fact may also well demand a place in
this collection : Vendron, director of the posts, at Dun-
^•irk, wrote on the iGth of January 1770> that he had a
very fine peacock, which had disappeared for some
days,- and that he had searched for it in vain throughout
his hoiist.' ; that his ^ard being full of snow, to the height
of four French feet, he had caused the snv>w to be car-
ried
rn'j ? I'lj M . S. Kirbij L onUo/i Jfiuue I'Uri *( / Seo/t S/raiid Mivr/, i, /,v,\i .
ANIMALS FOUND IN SOLID SUBSTANCES. 1G9
ried into the street (fearing wlien tlie thaw came on, it
would inundate his cellars), and that his peacock had
been found alive, confined under a heap of the snow.
The animal, he adds, was entirely frozen : I set it before
the fire, where it was thaw<?d, and afterward gave it
food : it has since done perfectly well. The author
should have mentioned the length of the time during
which the aiiimal was lost, and that during vrhich it had
been buried under the snow.
Mr. Chaulton, a stone-cutter at Ramsey in Kent, in
sawing a block of marble asunder, found therein a living
toad, of a more than ordinary size, lodged in a cavity in
the middle of the block. The cavity was pretty near the
shape of the toad, but something larger ; and the animal
itself was of a dusky, yellow colour.
At Tivola, in Italy, some workmen, having cleft a
large block of stone, found in the centre thereof, in a
hollow space, a large sea-crab, which weighed four
pounds, which they boiled and eat.
Alexander ab Alexandre assures us, that he found in
the middle of a large block of marble, a wrought dia-
mond i and in another piece, a considerable quantity of
sweet scented oil.
Baptist Tulgosus reports a large worm to have been
found in the middle of a flint.
At Chillingham in Northumberland, a live toad was
found in the middle of a large block of stone, of which
was made a chimney-piece ; the hole being divitk.d ecjual-
ly, and is still to be seen, each half at equal distance
from the middle of the chimney-piece, at a gentleman's
house in that neighbourhood.
THE MEMORABLE CROSS IN ClIEAPSIDE,
With an En^ravin^.
N the first ages of Christianity, a variety of crosses were
Vol. II. 3 erected
130 CHEAPSiDE cnoss.
erected in the highways and public places throughout
Europe, as monuments of the sufteriugs the Saviour of
mankind underwent. Many are still to be seen in Italy,
France, Spain, the Netherlands, and some few in Eng-
land. But the foundation of llie crosses at Grantham,
Wooborne, Northampton, Stony-stratford, Dunstable,
St. Albans, Waltham, West-cheap, and Charing, were
founded by Edward I. on the following occasion ;
On the death of Henry the Third, Edward the First
ivas on an expedition in the holy land, and had been
there above a year when his father died. When one
Anzazim, a desperate Saracen, who had often been em-
ployed to him from their general, being one time, upon
pretence of some secret message, admitted alone into
the chamber, with a poisoned knife, gave him three
■wounds in the body, two in the arm, and one near the
arm-pit, which were thought to be mortal, and would
probably so have proved, had not his excellent and
affectionate Queen Eleanor, daughter to Ferdinand
the Third, king of Spain, at the hazard of her own life,
sucked the poison from the w ounds with her mouth, and
thereby effected a cure. She, however, experienced
no ill consequences from the poison,- but many 3'ears
after, in a journey with Edward towards Scotland, she
was taken ill, and died at Herdehy in Lincolnshire : in
whose memory, and as monuments of her virtue and his
affection, he caused the aforesaid crosses, with her sta-
tue, to be erected in all chief places where the corpse
rested in the way to its interment in Westminster abbey.
Having stated thus the foundation of these crosses,
we shall now confine ourselves to that of Cheapside,
which occupies a place in this work, more from the re-
markable transactions and occurrences, at different
periods, that have distinguished it in our annals, than
as to the singularity of its distinguished origin.
Cheapsidev
Ch£AP31DE-CR0S?, 131
Chcapside Cross was first built in the year 1290, and
stood at tlie end of Cheapside, next St. Pauls, from
which it is called, by Stow, the Cross in West Cheap J
which being, by length of time, greatly decayed, John
Hatherly, Mayor of London, procured, in the year
1441, licence of King Henry the Sixth, in the 21st of
his reign, to re-edify the same in a more beautiful man-
ner, for the honour of the city ; and had licence also
to take up two himdred fodder of lead for the building
hereof, and of certain conduits, and a common gra-
nary.
This Cross was then curiously wrought, at the charges
of divers citizens, John Fisher, mercer, gave 600 marks
towards it; the same was begun to be set up in 1484*
and was not finished before the year ]48()\ The second
of Henry the Eighth it was new gilt all over, in the
year 1522, against the coming over of the Emix^ror
Charles V. and was new burnished against the corona-
tion of Edward VI.; and, in ^553, against the corona-
tion of Queen Mary ; and gilt again, in the year (554,
against the coming in of King Phillip. Since which
time the said cross having been represented bv divers
juries, or quests of Wardmote, to stand in the highway
to the hindrance of carriages. Sec. as they alledged, but
could not have it removed ; it followed, that, in the
year 1581, on the 21slof June, in the night, the lowest
images round about the said cross, being of Christ's Re*
surrection, of the Virgin Mary, King Edward the Con-
fessor, and such like, were broken and defaced. Where-
upon proclamation was made, that whosoever would
give information of the offenders thereof should have
forty crowns ; but nothing came to light. The imatre of
the blessed Virgin at that time was robbed of her Son,
and her arms broken, by which she staid him on her
S 2 knees J
132 CHEAPSIDE CROSS.
knees j lier wliole body ^vas also haled with ropes, and
left ready to fall : but was, in the year 159-5, again fas-
tened and repaired ; and, in the year 1596, about Bar-
tholomezc-t'ide, a male child, mishapen, as if born before
its time, all naked, was laid in her arras ; the other
images remaining broken as before.
On the east side of the same cross, the steps being
taken from thence, under the image of Christ's Resur-
rection, which was much defaced, was then set up a cu-
rious wrought tabernacle of grey marble ; and, in the
same an alabaster image of Diana, a w^oman, for the most
part naked, and water, conve^'ed from the Thames,
falling from her naked breasts for a time ; but the same
was oftentimes dried up.
In the year 1599> the timber of the cross, at the top,
being rotted within the lead, the arms theieof bending,
were in danger of falling, to the prejudice of passengers;
and therefore the whole body of the cross was scaffolded
about, and the top thereof taken down, intending, in-
stead thereof, to set up a pyramid : but some of Eliza-
beth's counsellors sent letters to Sir Nicholas Mosley, then
mayor, by her highness's express command concerning
the cross, ordering the same forthwith to be repaired,
and placed again as it formerly stood.
Notwithstanding the said cross stood heedless more
than a year after; whereupon the said counsellors, in
great number, meaning not any longer to permit the
continuance of such a contempt, wrote to William Ri-
der, then mayor, requiring him, by virtue of her high-
ness's said former direction and command, without any
further delay, to accomplish the same, her majesty's
most princel}^ care therein, respecting especially, the an-
tiquity and continuance of that monument, and ancient
ensign of Christianity, dated the 24th of December,
Jl(iO0. After this a crosi; of timber was framed, set up,
covered
CMEAPSIDE CROSS. 1J3
tiovcrcd with lead and gilt; the body of the cross dowu-
Tvards cleansed of dust, and the scaffold carried thence.
About twelve nights following, the image of our lady
was again defaced by })lucking off her crown and almost
her head, taking from her naked child, and stabbing
her in the breast.
At the west end of Cheapside was some time a stone
cross of greater antiquity than the time of Edvvard the
First, which, by w'ay of distinction, was called the Old
Cross : and here, according to Ealph IligdiH, in lii.s
Polichronicon, was Walter Slapleton, Bishop of Win-
chester, treasurer to Edward II. brought by the bur-
gesses of London, and beheaded in a most barbarous
manner. This Old Cross stood and remained at the east
f-nd of the parish church, called St. Michael in the
Corn, by Paul's-gate, near the north end of the Old
Exchange, till the year 1390, the 13th of Rijhard the
Second, in place of which Old Cross, then taken down,
the said church of St. Michael was enlarged, and also a
fair water-conduit erected, about the ninth year of Henry
the Sixth.
It docs not appear that Cheapside Cross underwent any
repair, or was in any shape beautified from the year I6OO,
until its final destruction in l643; when Puritanical prin-
ciples so complett.'l}^ prevailed, that few remnants of
antiquity, relative to the Romish persuasion, have esca-
ped the zcrath of their intemperate zeal*. Innumerable
images of the virgin and child, representations of the
crucifixion, and the various passions of Christ, many of
which
• ThoBgh tlie Pimtans were so anxious to demolish alt outward represen,
tations of the miracles and auffering of Christ, they were extremely desirous to
keep in remembrance his name, as under the cloak of that they might practise.
almost every enormity ; thus in the baptism of thsir children ia recorded *
remarkable christian uame,
" If
134 CHEAPSIDn CROSS,
T\liich were of tlie most excellent Avorkmanship; with 3-
host of saints and symbols, fell a prey to the levelling
party; and among others, not least valuable, we have to
lament the marti/tdoni of thos<" relitpies of ancient times,
the Crosses of Cheapside and Charing; who fell victims
to the unbridled rage of about as enlightened a populace,
as those who so eminently distinguished themselves in
the memorable religious riot in 1780.
Cheapside Cross was ever held in great repute as a ge-
neral rendevouz in party discontent; and like its coeval
sufferer, that of Charing, must have witnessed many acts
of justice inflicted on the daring innovatcvs of the laws ot
their country; and although not regarded as a situation
for general punishment of offenders, it has still to record
some of a very particular and interesting nature: these
punishments are however stated to have taken place at
the standard in Cheap; but Strype, in his last edition of
Stow's Survey, expresses great doubt of the situation of
the old standard, and thinks it occupied the scitc of the
ancient Cross; as he instances that in the reign of Ed-
ward the Third, w"hcn Justintrs and RunninLis, on horse-
back, were practised between the great Cross and the
Conduit at Soptu-^&-1ane End, there was no such stand-
ard, or other obstacle between them; neither was that
street paved with hard stone as it now is.
But of the executions in Cheap in the year 1G93, tltree
men had their right hands cut off, for rescuing a prisoner
arrested by an officer of the city: in the j'car 1381, Wat
Tyler beheaded Richard Lyons, and others there : in the
year 1351, the 26th of Edward the Third, two fishmon-
gers were beheaded at the standard in Cheap; but we do
not read of their offence: in the year 1399, Henry the
" If Jesus Christ had not come into tlie world thou hadst been damned"
BAREBOXE. This worthy was a brother of the cel^'bratcd Praise God
i>Hreboue, of notorious canting memory.
Fourth
CIIEAPSIDE CROSS. ^35
Fourth caused the Blank Charters, made by Richard the
Second, to be burnt there: in the year 14j0, Jack Cade
having gained possession of the city, sent to the Lord
Scales to bring his prisoner, the Lord Say, from the
Tower to the Guildiiall, whither he had called the Lord
a.\Lp'ur With liis brethren; before whom he caused the
Lord Say to be arraigned, who craving to be tried by his
peers, was forth .vith taken from his keeper, carried to the
standard in Cheapside, and there liad his head chopped
off; which, being pitched upon a pike, was born before
him to Miie End, whither he went to have conference
With the rebels of Essex; and by the way, meeting with
Sir James Cromer, High Sheriff of Kent, who had lately
married the Lord Say's daughter, he caused his head
also to be struck off, and carried before him in derision.
There is several scarce pamphlets, extant, concerning
Cheapside Cross, some of which bear a wood-cut repre-
senting the figure of the Cross as it stood just before its
demolition; and others with the populace, soldiers. Sec.
pulling it down ; but the most authentic view is that from
La Sevens scarce book, containing a view of Cheapside,
from which one view is taken, and the Entr}' of jNIarj
de jMedicis into London, on a visit to her son-in-law,
Charles L The body of the pamphlets in contradiction
to their titles, give little or no historical relation to the
origin or history of what it promises,
ji Rcmarkahle thunder storm, zcith the Singular course
of the LIGHTNING.
(Communicated by D. B. L, of Nollin(;hom.J
About two o'clock in the afternoon of Thursda}-, th(
2] St of August, 1794, two very black clouds were seen to-
wards the south west, which in their north-east course,
appeared to attract each other; this attractive power in
these
156 A THUNDER STORM-^ &C.
these clouds was occasioned by their being highly charg-
ed with a contrary, electricity^ which burst out a violent
explosion, as soon as the clouds came in contact ; the
vivid flashes of lightning followed each other in a quick
succession, amidst a torrent of rain and hail; at this in-
stant a ball of fire was ?cen to strike the top of a chimney
in Mr. Wragg's house, * near Mansfield, in the county of
Nottingham, where it was attracted by an iron cramp,
from whence it descended to the roof, throwing down
part of the chimnc}', and scattering the stones to a con-
siderable distance. The lightning, after running nine
yards along the roof, penetrated the ceiling of a garret,
where it tore off a i)iece about seven feet in length, and
near six inches in width ; it was here attracted by another
iron cramp in a sloping beam, from whicli it separated a
piece near three feet in length, and about eleven inches
in circumference : from this beam it forced its way
through the floor to a gilt frame of a looking-glass in the
clrawinc:-room, where it burst open a tea-chest, melted a
piece of lead in the inside the size of half-a-crovvn, and
scattered a pack of cards to the other end of the room; a
stream of the electric fluid appeared, by a black line on
the floor, to have run ten feet to an iron fender. The
lightning then took its course downwards to the parlour,
where it ran round another gilt frame of a looking-glass,
near to which Mrs. Wragg was sitting with a child in her
lap, they both received a strong shock, which in all pro-
bability would have been fatal to them, had not a bell-
wire, that hung over the glass, conducted the electric
fluid to the bell in the passage : its course from thence
js very extraordinary, for the bell in the passage from
whence the elcciric fluid descended on the wall in a nar-
row stream to where it divided into two, was attracted by
:■•• 3Ir, Curlis;, grazier, now lives in tlie house,
the
I
EXTRAOIIDINA.RV DEAtHS. 15?
the iron hinge of the street door^ and split the wood to
which the hinges was nailed; the passage of the electric
fluid to the hinge was through a stone wall eleven inches
thick; and the aperture it made was so small, that it
would hardly admit a knitting needle ; the other stream
was attracted through the wall by an iron bar in the
kitchen, where it spent its force, without doing any da-
mage to the parlour.
EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS.
UlED on Monday, 23d of January, 1804, at Cowpen,
Marlow Sidney, Esq. a remarkable eccentric character,
in the 99th year of his age. For many years he had such
an antipathy against medical gentlemen, that even in his
last illness, he would not suffer any to attend him. He
was very partial to the dress and company of the fair sex,
but never had the pleasure of tying the liymenial knot.
When seventy years of age, his thirst for innocent and
childish amusements was such, that he actually went to
the dancing school, where he regularly attended, and-
appeared highly gratified with his youthful associates.
About two years ago, a sister, v.ho resides in London,
was at the trouble of paying him a visit; and during her
short stay, he generously indeed allowed lier milk and
lodging ; but for bread and other necessaries she was ob-
liged to provide herself. When he had any money to
send to his banker at "Newcastle, three of his most trusty
servants were well mounted and armed with pistols; liis
principal man rode in the middle with the cash, and the
other two at proper distances from him, in his van and
rear. In this defensive manner they marched along,
the better to resist any attack tliat might be attempted by
daring highwaymen. Tliough so singular in his hianner,
no person deserved better the name of a good man.
t'ebruary 1, 1801. — Mr. J. Packer, in Spinningfield,
VoLlI. I aged
13S A DREADFUL ACCIDENT.
aged 33^ only five feet seven inches high, and weighed
'\\e enormous weight of 29 stone.
At Lane End, Staffordshire, at the advanced age of 106,
Mr. J. Meller; he was attended to the grave by thirteen
friends, whose ages amounted 1 296-
August 2d. 1803. — John Parker, aged eight years, a
servant to Mr. BulUvant, of Stanton in Derbyshire, was
killed in a most extraordinary manner. He was return-
ing home on the back of a poney, and by some means
fastened a basket he was carrying upon the post of a
gate, which he was endeavouring to open. The basket
was fixed to the boy by means of a leather strap, which,
by the accident, being drawn tight across his throat, un-
fortunately hanged him almost instantly.
Feb. 1804. — Died suddenly at Kingston, aged 109j»
George Gregory, supposed to be the last of the crew of
the Centurion which circumnavigated the world with
Lord Anson. He never had a day's illness since he
went to sea, which was in the year 1714,when he was im-
pressed in the Downs out of the Mary Brig, belonging
to North Shields.
A DKEADFUL ACCIDENT.
rlllE. — On Wednesday, January 25, 1804, a coal-pit
in the neighbourhood of Renfrew was discovered to be
on fire, the flames bursting out with great violence at
the mouth of the pit. Six unfortunate men were work-
ing under-ground at the time, in reflecting on whose
shocking situation, the mind flies for relief to the hope
that their sufferings were not protracted. — It is uncertain
whether the accident was occasioned by the explosion
of gunpowder, or foul air. The fire continued to burn
for nearly two days, at which time the mouth of the pit
was covered up, in expectation of smothering the flame.
AN
( 159 )
AN EARTHQUAKE.
1 HE following is part of a letter from the Hague, dated
January 23, 1804: —
'' A society of musical amateurs, on Friday last, gave
an Oratorio at the Lutheran church here. On a sudden,
the chandeliers, and other objects, suspended within the
church, were seen in motion, which was attributed to
the effect of the musical instruments. But it has since
been known, that, at the same hour (seven in the even-
ing), a like phcenomenon was observed at Rotterdam,
Haarlem, Schiedam, and Maassluis. In the last of these
cities, the chandeliers of the Reformed Church were in
motion during the time of divine service, so as to be fre-
quently removed between two and three feet from their
usual position. The direction of this motion was from
west to east. After the motion had been forcibly stop-
ped during ten mmutes, it recommenced, but was not
quite so perceptible. This extraordinary event so greatly
terrified the congregation, that the greater part took to
flight; and the preacher being left nearly alone, found
himself under the necessity of abruptly finishing his ser-
mon. Th<; cause of this phoenomenon is not yet ascer-
tained. It is attributed to the shocks of an earthquake.
It is remembered, that the same thing took place at the
time of the great earthcjuake at Lisbon.
"■ The shocks were also felt by persons under the organ
gallery; aiul by two individuals in a cabriolet, between
Schiedam and Rottcrdcim. Many vessels on the Maesc
and thf- Seine were moved by the same shock. Letters
from Bois-le-Duc state, that the same day shocks were
felt in that city, wliirh could only be attributed to an
(earthquake. The brass chandeliers in the church of St.
John were agitated in a very surprising manner. In
many kitchens, several of the utensils were overturned."
T2 7SIIR1-
( 140 )
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
IN the gale of Thursda\^ Janiiar}^, 26;, 1804, whilst the
Plantagenet^the ship which blockaded the French fleet for
forty-eight hours,, was working into Cawsand Ba}', the
main top-mast went over the side^ part of which struck
one of the midshipmen, who was standing on the main
chains, and precipitated him into the sea, from which he
w^as miraculously preserved by -the force of the wave,
which threw him back, and left him senseless on the
deck. We are happy to hear, hovv^ever, he soon re-
covered.
PEDESTRIAN W^^GER.
X'EBRUARY 10. — On Friday a young man of the name
of Gregory set out from St. John's Street, to walk 50 miles
on the Hertfordshire Road, which he engaged to perform
in twelve hours ; the original bet was for only tea gui-
neas, but a considerable sum was sported, some supposing
he would accomplish it in a much sljorter time than was
allowed. He started at six in the morning, passed through
Hatfield between nine and ten, and reached Welling,
lwent\'-live miles distant, before eleven, where he staid a
short time, and then returned. He arrived at the place
from whence he started, twenty minutes past five in the
afternoon, apparently very little fatigued.
A Pl'.RSON WALKING IN HIS SLEEP.
Feb. ]3, 1S04.— Mr. S. Smith, gardncr, of Wheatly,
near (Jaiiisbarougli, returning from work, called at Mr.
Justict's, atBolo, where l.e took some refreshment; and
it being dark, was prevailed upon to take a bed. He
retired to rest about eight o'cloek ; at eleven he dreamed
that the house was on fire ; and in his alarm, although a
.--.tout man, weighing 13 stone, and 70 years of age, he
forced
I
EXTRAORDINAEY TALENTS OF MR. STRONG. 141
forced his way through the window of his room, which
is only 13 and a half inches by 12, dropped nine feet to
the ground, and ran a considerable distance, until (hav-
ing nothing on but his shirt and night-cap) his feet
being so much cut, and other parts of his body so much
bruised, that the pain he experienced awoke him. His
astonishment at finding himself in such a situation and
in such a predicament, may be easier conceived than
described. He hastened again to bed, and is now nearly
recovered from the effects of the singular adventure.
A LARGE HOG.
On Feb. 13, a Leicestershire hog, remarkable small
bone, the property of Mr. Thomas Matthews of Rothley,
wa.s killed. The enormous weight was as follows ; — the
two sides 595 lbs. head 37 lbs. inside fat 87 and a half lbs.
total 719 and a half lbs. ; the fore feet weighing only
5lb. 4 oz.
On Feb. 19, a Sow of the Chinese breed was slaughtered
at South Coats, near Hull, of the weight and dimen-
sions as follows : — Length from rump to the crown 40
inches ; depth at the shoulder 20 inches ; girth at breast
48 inches; girth at loins 45 inches; girth at chops 45
inches ; length from the crown to the nose 10 and a quar-
ter inches ; length of the ears 4 inches ; her eyes were
closed up with fat ; she was five years old, had brought
157 pigs, and weighed 18 stone when killed.
Sin,
The following is an account of JMr, Strong. By inserting it in your Maoaziuc,
will oblige.
Sir, your's, J. T.
JVIR. Strong of Carlisle, who was born blind, follows
the business of a diaper weaver. He is at present ad-
vanced in years; but his mechanical abilities are not yd
im-
142 BAKING EXPLOITS OF MR. BOIS-RDSE-.
impaired to any considerable degree. In the exercise of
thescj besides making almost every article of household
furniture, he has constructed various pieces of machinery,
of which is the model of a loom, the figure of a man
"working it : to shew his strong propensity to produce by
his own ingenuity and labour, whatever he thought
worthy of possessing, I shall add the following cir-
cumstance : When he was fifteen years of age, he con-
cealed himself one afternoon in the cathedral, during
the time of service : after the congregation was gone and
the doors shut, he got into the organ-loft, and examined
every part of the instrument. This had engaged his at-
tention till about midnight, when having satisfied him-
self respecting the general construction, he proceeded
to try the tones of the different stops and the proportion
they bore to each other ; this experiment was not to be
conducted in so silent a manner. In short, the noise
alarmed the neighbourhood, and some people went to see
what was the matter, and Joseph was found playing the
organ. The next day he was taken before the dean, who
after reprimanding him for the step he had taken in or-
der to gratify his curiosit}'^, gave him leave to play it
whenever he pleased. In consequence of this, he set
about making a chamber organ, which he completed
without the assistance of any body. He sold this instru-
ment to a mecl.anic in the Isle of Man, where it is still in
being. Soon aiier this, he made another, upon which
he nows plays both for amusement and devotion. Some
years ago he walked from Carlisle to London, to visit Mr.
Stanley, the celebrated organist, and, for the first time>
made him a pair of shoes.
J h W m.
J. enclose for your truiy entcitaining and Valuable Re^ster, a well aulhenti.
.■atpd fact, respecting a most surprising and hazardous enterprise of a French
Officer
DARING EXPLOITS OF MR. BOIS-ROSE. 14S
" officer with a handful of men, in gaining possession of a fortress of considera-
ble interest to the Frencli service, in the reign of Henry the Fourth, of that
nation; and though compared with the many instances of the successes of the
gallant soldiers and sailors of our own country, it may sink by comparison, is
still from the novelty of the plan adopted, deemed, in my estinuition, worthy
a place in your scientific publication. Who am from its intrinsic merit.
A Constant Reader.
1 HE manner in which Fescamp (a post and fortress
in the county of Caux in Normandy) was surprised, is so
remarkable, that it well deserves a particular recital.
When this fort was taken by Biron from the league, in
the garrison that was turned out of it, there was a gen-
tleman called Bois-rose, a man of sense and courage,
who making an exact observation of the place he left, and
having concerted his scheme, contrived to get two
soldiers, whom he had bound to his interest, to be received
into the new garrison which was put into Fescamp by
the Royalists. That side of the fort next the sea is
a perpendicular rock six hundred feet high, the bottom
of which for about the height of twelve feet, is conti-
nually washed by the sea, except four or five days in the
year, during the utmost recess of the sea, when, for
the space of three or four hours, it leaves fifteen or twenty
fathom of dry sand at the foot of the rock. Bois-rose,
who found it impossible by any other way to surprise a
garrison, who guarded with great care a [dace lately
taken, did not doubt of accomplishing his design, if he
could enter by that side which was thought inaccessible ;
this he endeavoured, by the following contrivance, to
perform.
H e had agreed upon a signal with the two soldiers
whom he had corrupted, and one of them waited for it
continually upon the top of the rock, where he posted
himself during the whole time that it was low water.
Bois-rose taking the opportunity of a very dark night,
came
144 DARING EXPLOITS OF MR. BOIS-ROSE.
came with fifty resolute men, chosen from amongst th^
sailors, in two large boats, to the foot of the rock. He
had provided himself with a thick cable equal in length
to the height of the rock, and tying knots at equal dis-
tances, run short sticks through, to serve to support
them as they climbed. The soldier whom he had gained
having waited six months for the signal, no sooner per-
ceived it, than he let down a cord from the top of the
precipice, to which those below fastened the cable, by
which means it was wound up to the top, and made fast
to an opening in the battlement with a strong crow run
through an iron staple made for that purpose. Bois-
rose giving the lead to two Serjeants, whose courage he
was well convinced of, ordered the fifty sailors to mount
the ladder in the same manner, one after the other,
with their weapons tied round their bodies, himself bring-
ing up the rear, to take away all hope of returning;
which indeed soon became impossible, for befoi'e they
had ascended halfway, the sea rising more than six feet,
carried off their boats and set their cable a floating.
The necessity of withdrawing from a difficult enterprise
is not always a security from fear, when the danger
appears almost inevitable. If the mind represents to
itself these fifty men, suspended between heaven and
earth, in the midst of darkness, trusting their safety to
a machine so insecure, that the least want of caution, the
treachery of a mercenary soldier, or the slightest fear,
might precipitate them into the abj'ss of the sea, or dash
them against the rocks ; add to this the noise of the.
waves, the height of the rock, their weariness and ex-
hausted spirits, it will not appear surprising that the
boldest amongst them trembled, as in effect he who
was foremost did. This seijcant tellipug,, the next man
that he could mount no higher, and that^ |sis heart fjuled
hiui, Bois-rosc, to whom this discourse passed from
mouth
I
( 7'7^^///r/ • ///////y^/i ,
FtviiKUi i'ii(it//n/ JY,/r//r//t //ttrofecffio/i of h'/i'i'Ii (hisr/cy Esq-
AN ACCOUNT OF MOTHER SHIPTON. l45
mouth to mouth, and who perceived the truth of it by their
advancing no higher, crept over the bodies of those that
were before him, advising each to be firm, and got up
to the foremost, whose spirits he at first endeavoured to
animate ; but finding that gentleness would not prevail,
he obliged him to mount by pricking him in the back
with his poniard ; and doubtless if he had not obeyed
him, he would have precipitated him into the sea. At
length, with incredible labour and fatigue, the vj'hole
troop got to the top of the rock, a little before the break
of day, and was introduced by the two soldiers into the
castle, where they began to slaughter without mercy the
centinels and the whole guard : sleep delivered them up
an easy prey to the enemy, who killed all that resisted, and
possessed themselves of the fort.
Bois-rose immediately sent notice of this amazing suc-
cess to Admiral Villars, who thought the government of
the citadel he had so dearly bought, was the least reward
he might expect. However, he heard that Villars, or
rather the commander, de Grillon, had a design to drive
him out of it. Amidst the first transports of his rage for
this injustice, he delivered the Castle of Fescamp to the
king, who provided plenty of all things necessary for its
security.
Ursula, or Agatha Sonthiel ; commonly called Mother
Ship ton.
From a very ancient and curious original picture, in the possession of Ralph
Ousely, Esq. of York, preserved in the family of the proprietor for more
than a century ; and communicated by Sir William Ousely, author of the
Oriental collections, &c. &c. &C.
A HIS celebrated character, having been so much mis-
represented by former writers, we have been particular in
ascertaining, as far as possible, an authentic memoir of
her life and actions : — She was born, according to the ge-
neral accounts, in the reign of Henry the Seventh, near
^ol. H. u Knaresborough,
146 AN ACCOUNT OF MOTHER SHIPTON.
Knaresborough, in the county of York, and baptized by
the Abbot of Beverley, with the name of "Agatha Son-
thiel," a circumstance which proves, by the sur-name, her
being of foreign extraction by her father's side ; who, it
is most probable, came over with the Bretaigne associates
of the Earl of Richmond, afterwards Henry the Seventh,
and resided, if not settled, at Knaresborough. Very little
notice is, however, taken of her father or mother, by the
writer of her life and prophecies, nor is she particularly
remarked until her twenty-fourth year, when she was ad-
dressed in courtship by one Toby Shipton, a builder of
Shipton, a village situate four miles north of the city of
York. This match goes some way to disprove the vulgar
report of her body being crooked, her face frightful, and
her whole appearance disgusting.
With respect to her gift of prophecy, we have no other
authorities than traditionary revelation, from father to
son, as no printed account, concerning her life and
actions, can be found prior to the reign of Charles the
Second ; and it is more than probable that the chief part
of the prophecies attributed to Mother Shipton, were
composed after the restoration ; and ingeniously con-
trived to answer the equally ingenious explanations, which
are annexed to every sixpenny edition, extant.
That there did exist such a person is evident and
equally so that she had in her time a reputation as a very
extraordinary woman ; but it is as certain, notwithstand-
ing an attempt to prove her a virtuous and religious cha-
racter, that she was^considered by her contemporaries, as a
mischievous, if not a diabolical person, by the representa-
tion of the familiar introduced in her picture — a fit emblem,
whether considered as monkey or fiend, of her wayward
and mischievous propensity.
A great stress is laid on her prediction on the famous
Cardinal Wolsey, who died at Leicester, on the road to
London,
AN ACCOUXT OP MOTHER SHIPTON. l47
London, in the year 1530, at which time, Mother Ship-
ton could not have been more than forty-two years of
age, and whatever she might have predicted concerning
his not being able to reach York, it is highly probable,
was rather in consequence of the report of the king's de-
termining he should be conveyed to London, than any
power or divination in her.
The last prediction of Mother Shipton was concerning
the time of her own death, which, it is said, she declared
to several persons, who visited her in her advanced age.
And when the time she had prophesied, approached, she
called her friends together, advised them well, took a
•solemn leave of them, and laying herself down on her bed,
she departed with much serenity, being upwards of se-
venty-three years of age, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
anno 1561.
After her death, a monument of stone was erected to
her memory, in the high road, betwixt the village of
Clifton and Shipton, about a mile distant from the city
of York. This monument represents a woman upon her
knees, with her hands closed in a praying posture ; and is
to be seen there to the present hour.
The same authority who preserved the invaluable MSS.
of her authentic prophecies, has saved from oblivion her
epitaph, but which is stated at this time to be entirely ob-
literated ; it was as follows :
Here lies she who never ly'd
Whose skill often has been try'd ;
Her prophecies shall still survive,
And ever keep her name alive.
We have not attempted to swell the article of Mother
Shipton to an unnecessary length, by the insertion of the
prophecies attributed to her ; as the sole aim in this work
is originality and authentic information.
u 2 8UR
{ 148 )
SURPRISING AFFECTION IN TWO RIVAL FEMALES.
X HE Church of the Benedictines at Erfurt, in Upper
Saxony, bears witness, in a splendid monument, of the
following circumstance, thus related by a recent traveller :
Passing through this city, says he, 1 was induced to
visit the tomb of Louis, Count Gleichen, of the house of
Schazbourg, which gave an emperor to Germany. The
Count having been taken prisoner in a battle with the
Saracens, during the Holy War, he was sold as a slave to
the Sultan, and suffered a long and irksome captivity.
One day, while he was working in the garden, the Sul-
tan's daughter, who happened to be present at the time,
approached him, and asked him many questions. The
agreeable person of the Count, his air, and his manner
so pleased the princess, that she at length offered to effect
his deliverance, upon condition that he would marry her.
I have a wife and children, replied the Count! What ob-
jection is that, said she : it is the custom of my country
to have as many wives as a man may think proper ? The
Count no longer hesitated, but accepted the offer, and
pledged his word to marry his deliverer. She immedi-
ately took her measures with promptness and activity to
carry her plan into execution ; and they soon embarked
on board a vessel prepared to receive them. They ar-
rived safely at Venice, where the Count found one of his
domestics, who was then travelling in search of intelli-
gence concerning him, and who assured the Count, that
the Countess and her children, were perfectly well. The
Count hastened to Rome, and obtained permission of the
Pope to retain both his wives. This took place in the
year 1240, under the Pontificate of Gregory IX. If the
Holy Father thus shewed himself indulgent, the Count's
lawful wife was not remiss in complaisance to the young
Saracen, who had been the means of restoring her hus-
band, and conceived an uncommon degree of tenderness
for
PROCESSION OF A WINGED DRAGON. 149
for this rival. The princess also met the advances of
the Countess with the greatest sensibility, and as she had
no children herself, she tenderly loved those of the Coun-
tess. The bed which was occupied by the Count and his
two wives is still shewn at Gleichen. After their death
the bodies were all deposited in one tomb. The follow-
ing is the epitaph placed over them :
" Here are interred the remains of two rival females, who loved each
" other as sisters, and had also an invincihle affection for the same husband.
'' One of them abandoned the religion of IVIahomet to follow her spouse, while
" the other received her long-lost hushand with open arms. United by the
" bonds of conjugal love, all three of them during life, had but one nuptial bed,
" and after death reposed in the same tomb !"
Procession or show of a Winged Dragon^ at Troyes, in
France.
V_/F ancient customs, though ever so absurd, it has been
rightly observed, that it is both pleasant and useful, to
bring them to our recollection, whether they are reli-
gious or profane ; as these are the best means of judging
of the progress or refinement and improvements in
society.
The canons regular of the Church St. Loup, at Troyes,
formerly carried in their processions during Rogation
week, a great winged dragon, which the common people
called chair saUe. This effigy of a dragon, was well exe-
cuted in bronze. It opened its throat and eyes, flapped
its monstrous wings, moved by springs and the assist-
ance of a rope. At this monster, it was the practice of
the children to throw whatever came to their hands, and
among the rest, cakes or simnels. At the first procession
of this figure he was ornamented with garlands of flowers ;
and then it was understood he was to be contracted in
marriage : on the second day, (for the procession lasted
three days;) it being then thought that he was married it
was decorated with ribbands and trinkets : but on the fol-
lowing
150 A SINGULAR INSTANCE OF TERROR.
lowing day it was supposed to die ; and it was then brought
to the Place de la Madeleine, with its tail forwards, its
eyes and its wings totally immoveable, and there de-
spoiled of its flowers and trinkets by the populace. This
custom was observed so late as the year 1728. The curate
of St. Pantalion was the first who refused to countenance
this superstitious proceeding any longer, by refusing it.
AN INCOMBUSTIBLE PASTEBOARD.
XN the Literary Journal of 1785, of Petersburgh, there
is a new discovery mentioned for which the inventor
had obtained a premium from Catharine. It is a kind of
pasteboard which no fire can consume, nor water soften.
He proposes it as a necessary lining for the wooden houses
of his country, and for clothing ships of war. As to its
second property, it is no secret at present ; the former has
been examined by a chemist, and found to be nothing
else than a preparation of alum. This secret, however,
like the Telegraph, had been a very ancient one, and
used in the time of Sylla, at the siege of Athens. The
words of Q. Claudius Quadricarius are : — " Sylla then
brought his forces to set fire to a tower, which Archelaus
had placed there : he came, he piled faggots; he set them
on fire ; and after an obstinate labour, he could not make
the tower take fire, as Archelaus had covered the planks
entirely with alum."
SINGULAR INSTANCE OF THE EFFECT OF TERROR.
IVJLRS. JESSOP, the wife of a respectable gentleman at
the east end of the city of Chester, in the year 1792, by a
paralytic stroke, lost the use of her limbs, and the power
of speech. For several years she remained in this state,
when one afternoon all her family being out, except a
maid-servant and a child, who was blind, she ob-
served a fire burst out of a wooden building, which was
very
REMARKABLE PETRIFACTION. l6l
very near the room she sat in A consciousness that
she could neither move from her seat, nor c all for help,
struck her with such terror, as to have the effect of an
electric shock. She made a violent effort— spoke, reco-
vered the use of her limb-, and has remained in perfect
health ever since.
Feb. 1804. Carolus.
SURPRISING INSTINCT IN CATS-
XN the island of Cyprus, near the promontory called
Cat's Cape, anciently Curias, there is a monastery of
Caloyerian Greeks, who have the singular custom of
training a number of cats for the purpose of destroying
the serpents which are very numerous in that island. —
These animals are so well instructed in the sport, that at
the sound of the bell they instantly quit the chace, and re-
turn to the convent.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE PERUVIAN LANTERN FLY.
JL HE Cucujus Peruvianus, or Lantern Fly, is an insect
of considerable size, and is remarkable for the peculiarity
it possesses of shedding a vivid lustre during darkness.
At a distance it resembles a small lantern : for this rea-
son the inhabitants, when going a journey by night, fas-
ten several of them to the end of a stick, which enables
them to see their way with facility.
REMARKABLE PETRIFACTION.
In the quicksilver mines at Guiana Villica, there is a
fountain of hot water, which, after overrunning a piece
of ground, condenses, and changes itself into a kind of
rock, easy to be cut ; and after remaining some days in
this state, is commonly used by the inhabitants in the
construction of their houses.
To
152 REMARKABLE PETRIFACTION.
TO THE EDITOR^
" Sir — Having been induced by your ready attention in inserting the
several articles I have occasionally transmitted for your truly singular publi-
cation, to imagine similar communications would not be unacceptable, I have
inclosed for your consideration two circumstantial and well authenticated
memoirs of petrified substances discovered, the first in the county of Kent,
and the other at Nottingham, which I have every reason to think have never
before been submitted to public knowledge — and am with best wishes for
the success of your excellent publication, your well wisher and occasional
correspondent. D, B. L,
Nntt'uigham, March 8th, 1804.
REMARKABLE DISCOVERY OF A PETRIFIED SUBSTANCE.
X HE Parliament in 1762 having given orders for a pow-
der magazine to be erected at Folkstone in Kent, the fol-
lowing petrifaction was dug out of an old burial ground
long before that time disused, being taken out of a grave
and presented to Roger North, Esq. of Rougham in Nor-
folk. It was thought by the virtuosi to be a frustrum or
piece of the muscular part of a human body, weighing
about ten pounds, on one side of which was plainly to be
seen two bones lying half out of the mass, one of which
was about five inches long, and was thought to be the
tibia with its head and part of the shank or shin-bone,
the other was shorter and much less ; on the opposite
side appeared a flat piece of wood (seemingly oak) though
strongly petrified, which was thought to be a part of the
coffin it was interred in, The whole mass of flesh as to
colour looked as near as it could be compared, to a piece of
mummy or embalmed flesh, interspersed with a great many
iron-coloured spots, and in its shape resembled a great
piece of flesh rolled up in four or five folds, and had some
appearance of the marcasite or iron stone. This was
esteemed the greater curiosity, inasmuch as flesh of any
sort seldom or ever is known to have undergone so strong
a petri-
REMARKABLE SUBSTANCE IN A HUMAN BODY. 153
a petrifaction, and seemed to preponderate even iron
itself.
The original cause of this so strongly petrified sub-
stance, is not known; but it is imagined some vitriolic
juices strongly impregnated with ferugineous particles
falling upon that part of the body (for there was no other
piece of the like kind to be found) miglit probably be the
occasion of that wonderful and uncommon alteration.
REMARKABLE SUBSTANCE DISCOVERED BELONGING TO A
HUMAN BODY.
jOL very extraordinary occurrence happened in the year
1792, in St. Mary's church-yard, in the town of Notting-
ham. It was found necessary to improve the passage by
the side of the church-yard leading to the county-hall,
which could not be eifected without taking down some
houses, and the church-yard wall, which stood on the
south-side ; and the better to widen the road it was also
necessary to use a part of the church-yard. The
ground being about ten feet higher here than in
the street, when the fence-wall was removed which
parted the church-yard and the street, there hap-
pened one night a heavy shower of rain, which washed
away a considerable portion of the earth from the church-
yard into the street ; in consequence several coffins were
left bare of covering, and some removed, amongst which
was one that contained the remains of Mr. William Moore,
who sometime lived at the sign of the Black Swan, near
the church, and who had been buried about twelve years.
The coffin being broken, there was found in his remains
a concretion not unlike a pumice stone, but rather whiter,
and as large as the liver of an ox, which was taken pos-
session of by Mr. Walker, a respectable builder in Not-
tingham, under whose immediate inspection the fact hap-
pened, and which he has since divided among his
curious friends. Mr. Moore was a remarkable man for
VOL. II. X having
154 EXTRAORDINARY WORKS OF ART.
having a large belly, which projected more on one side
than the other. He often observed to his friends that
he perceived a hard substance forming within him when
he was only twenty-two years of age, which grew slowly
while he lived. He died about the age of seventy. He
has been also heard to say that he felt but little pain from
this substance ; but found it troublesome. It may be wor-
thy of remark, that the ribs on that side it grew, were much
bowed outwards. Doctors Hodges, Nevil, and Ford, had
examined him while living, several times ; to the sur-
vivor of whom he had promised his body to be opened
when dead ; but he happening to survive those gentle-
men, his body was interred without being opened. And
certain it is, that nothing would have brought this curious
phenomenon to light had it not been for this extraordi-
nary and accidental occurrence.
A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.
o.
'n the morning of the 8th of April, 1790, as two ser-
vant boys were lading water from the river Trent at the
lower end of the church-yard. Burton, Nottinghamshire,
they discovered several guineas lying near the edge of the
current, which they immediately gathered up and carried
home. Many other persons continued to search the river
for several days ; and about 39 guineas have been at
different times discovered and taken care of. Although
the above circumstance was advertised in the public
papers at the time, no inquiry has ever been made after
this money, nor is there any satisfactory account to be
given how it came there.
EXTRAORDINARY WORKS OF ART.
An the island of Salfete, near Goa in the Brazils, are
vast recesses cut into the rock one upon another, some
of which are so large as to form a town of four hun-
dred houses, and the whole ornamented with ter-
rific
FLOATING ISLANDS, &C. 165
rific idols, besides elephants, tigers, leopards, lions,
amazons, &c.
N.
FLOATING ISLANDS.
EAR St. Omers, in Flanders, there is a large lake on
which are many floating islands, for the most part inha-
bited, and which are moved by means of cords attached
to posts drove into the earth ; upon one of the islands there
is a church and a convent of religious Bernardins.
EXTRAORDINARY FRUIT.
X HERE is in several parts of Guiana, particular trees
known by the appellation of Totoch, very remarkable for
the nature of their fruit, which is so large, and at the
same time so hard, when ripe, that no one can pass under
it without instant danger of a fractured skull.
In many parts of Guinea there is a tree called Mignolo,
the bark of which being pierced, furnishes an excellent
liquor held in very high estimation by the inhabitants,
who find it more agreeable, stronger, and more nourish-
ing than the most exquisite wines.
REMARKABLE PROPERTIES OF A DESERT.
Xn the province of Gazo, in Negroland, there is a
sandy desert of such a nature, that a number of persons
perish owing to the driving of the sand ; and what is most
remarkable, the bodies of such persons never putrify, but
remain as incorruptible as those of the Egyptian mummies.
EXTRAORDINARY DAILY RENOVATION OF FLOWERS.
X HERE is in many parts of the kingdom of Decan, in
Africa, a remarkable tree called the Nure-tree, which is of
such a nature that in the morning it is covered with red
fibrous flowers, which, during the heat of the day, fall to
X 2 the
156 REMARKABLE FISH, &C.
the ground; it flowers afresh during the night, and ap-
pears in the morning entirely renovated.
I
REMARKABLE FISH.
N some rivers in Guiane there is found a curious fish,
about the size of a smelt, which has four eyes, two on
each side, placed one above the other; it is remarkable
that when swimming, it keeps two eyes above, and two
below the surface.
T
STRANGE CAUSES OF SICKNESS AND DEATH.
HERE is in Peru a high mountain called Periacaka ;
very few persons attempt to ascend to the summit of it,
as those who attempt to do so, are immediately seized with
a violent vomiting, which compels them to desist.
The desert of Punas in the same country, travellers in
vain attempt to traverse, the cause of which is attributed
to several persons being seized with a chillness, and in-
stantly dropping down dead upon their entrance into this
dreary region.
BOILING LAKE.
An the valley of Tarapaye there is a hot lake of a circular
form ; towards the middle the water is perpetually boiling
for the space of twenty feet square ; and, when the water
is extremely hot, the earth around it is extraordinary cold.
Upon one of the branches of the Oroonoque is so large
a cascade, that the noise the fall of water causes is said to
surpass that of 1000 bells ringing together at one time.
AN ARMY INNOCULATED.
Mr. Editor, — A curious fact appears in the journal of the American Con-
gress during the war with Eiiglind, which I think merits preservation in your
entertaining Miscellany ; it is an order by the Congress to innoeulate the
American army en masse, in the most expeditious manner. Here follows the
document verbatim, bearing dale, August 13, 1777 :
"Resolved
A PETRIFIED KAM, &;C. 157
" Resolved that major-general Schuyler shall send an
officer charged with the acceleration of the march of the
troops of Carolina, to their head quarters. The said
troops are to halt at Dumfries, Colchester, and Alexandria,
in Virginia, to undergo innoculation. The surgeons which
have been sent from Philadelphia to Dumfries, are ordered
to perform this operation with the greatest celerity."
A PETRIFIED RAM.
J\. LABOURER in a stone quarry in the village of Pantin
near Paris, having detached a large block of Stone, found
in the middle a skeleton of a ram, petrified. Each part of
the stone contained a perfect half of the animal, the parts
were very distinct. The block was dug out of the living
rock, at the depth of 30 feet from the summit of the
quarry. A petrifaction so curious, was immediately de-
posited in the Museum of Natural History.
This discovery was made in the course of the month of
Jan. 1804.
ENORMOUS WEN!
J\ CIRCUMSTANCE lias lately occurred at Vienna, which
has excited the attention of all the medical faculty in that
city. A person who had been afflicted with a wen of a
most uncommon size for 25 years past, is lately dead at
the age of 88. This excrescence attained such a magni-
tude during the latter part of his life, that he was com-
pelled to keep his apartment. The faculty thought this
case of such consequence, that they obtained a model of
the wen in wax, at the same time anxiously waiting for
the decease of the patient to possess themselves of the
original. The patient having heard of the design they
had formed upon this part of his frame, took the precau-
tion to make a will, in which he strictly forbade the sepa-
ration of it from his remains after his decease. The phy-
sicians, both of the academy and the university, finding
themselves
158 STORMS AND HURRICANES IN FRANCE.
themselves so far frustrated in their object of obtaining a
subject so interesting in anatomy, made without the
knowledge of each other, several offers of money to the
patient, to disannul the codicil of his will. He therefore
took money from all the parties, and by a new codicil had
it expressed that the wen in question should after his de-
cease, become the property of the faculty! This vague
expression in his last testament had produced a singular
litigation between the University and the Academy,
which, after some time was amicably settled by an agree-
ment that the dissection should be made in common by
both parties.
STORMS AND HURRICANES IN FRANCE.
JL he 29th and 30th of Dec. 1803, were remarkable for
the tempestuous state of the weather at several places in
France; at Nantz, on the 29th, a most violent storm be-
gan about midnight, and continued till seven next morn-
ing. It was thought there was some shock of an earth-
quake, and considerable damage was done.
At Chartres, on the following morning, the storm began
about six, and lasted till noon. So many chimnies, &c.
were blown down, that the streets were almost rendered
impassable. The lead upon the church of Notre-Dame,
was torn off, and pieces from 6 to 1 0 feet in length carried
into the air like sheets of paper.
In the country the damage was not less considerable ;
many church steeples were blown down, and the houses
in general, unroofed or overthrown ; the trees broken
or torn up by the roots. The night preceding the storm,
the barometer experienced an elevation of nine ; but at
noon the next day, it fell down to three lines. At Paris
also, on the same day, several persons got very much hurt
upon the Qaai des Augustins, by the fall of some tiles im-
prudently heaped together upon the top of a church wall,
then pulling down. A slate fell upon the head of a
woman
TAPESTRY AT BAYEUX. 169
woman in the Rue St. Peres, which opened her skull ; she
was taken to the Hospital de la Charite. An old man
was thrown against a stone stud, and remained stunned
during the whole of the day. Many children were
thrown down upon the Pont-Neuf, in the Thuilleries,
and in the public squares. The canvas covering the
Corn Market was torn in many places. Twenty-five
of the largest trees in the Thuilleries were either torn
up by the roots, or broken by the wind. The first in the
avenue parallel to the walk of the Feuillans, fell on the
marble groupe, at twenty paces from it, overturned it, and
very much damaged one of the figures. Four sentry
boxes were thrown down, and much broken. Thick
ropes were placed from some of the trees to the others,
in the Thuilleries, which probably has been the means of
saving them.
Genuine Account of the Tapestry at Bayeux in Normandy
said to have been worked by Matilda, Queen to William
the Conqueror.
JL HIS ancient tapestry has lately formed a very ample
theme in the French newspapers, on which account it
has been surmised, that as some political view was con-
nected with the object of bringing forward such an obso-
lete piece of history at this particular juncture, much
doubt, might be attached to the whole circumstance. —
The reasons which induced the French government to
descant so freely upon this event, and others which dis-
tinguished the reign of William the Conqueror, will not
at present admit of discussion ; the curious reader, how-
ever, is here presented with a more particular detail of
the origin of the tapestry in question, not brought forward
for any party purpose, being collected by an Englisli
author of some eminence, several months before it was pro-
bable that the First Consul thought of reviving the French
history of this tapestry:
" A very
160 THE INTREPID FEMALE.
" A very curious monument of the art of embroidery at
the time of the Norman conquest," says this author, " ap-
pears in the celebrated tapestry at Bayeux, which still
exists, and is publicly exhibited at stated periods in the
cathedral of that city. It is a web of linen, nearly two
feet in breadth, and two hundred and forty-two in length,
embroidered with a history of that memorable expedition,
from the embassy of Harold to the Norman court in 1065,
till his death in the following year. The scenes of this
busy period are successively exhibited, and consist of
many hundred figures of men, horses, beasts, birds, trees,
houses, castles, and churches, with (Latin) inscriptions
over them, explanatory of their meaning and history.
This work is understood to have been performed under the
inspection of Matilda, consort to William I., and was not
improbably executed by the hands of Englishwomen^
whose superiority in performances of this kind, was then
universally acknowledged."
THE INTREPID FEMALE:
Or, surprising life and adventures of MARY-ANNE
TALBOT, OTHERWISE JOHN TAYLOR.
A natural Daughter of the late Lord William Talbot,
Steward of his Majesty's Household, Colonel of the
Glamorganshire Militia, &c. &;c. &c. comprehending a
Series of singular and remarkable Adventures she un-
derwent, in the various Characters of a Foot-boy, Drum-
mer, Deserter, Powder-Monkey, Sailor, Prisoner, &c.
&c. &c. particularly her being wounded at the Siege of
Valenciennes ; also in the Engagement of Lord Howe,
on the 1st of June, 1794, and of her Imprisonment for
eighteen Months in France ; being taken in an Expedi-
tion under the Command of Sir Sidney Smith : Nar-
rated by herself to the Editor of the Scientific Museum,
and now first made public.
Since
THE INTREPID FEMALE. 161
Jc^iNCE the publication of the wonderful lives and adven-
tures of Robinson Crusoe, Moll Flanders, Moll Cutpurse,
the German Princess, Colonel Jack, Duncan Campbell,
and many other characters of equal celebrity, whose stories,
from perhaps a single eccentricity or circumstance, has
been spun with considerable interest as a romance by the
prolific brains of celebrated writers, and gained a repu-
tation of wonderful contrivance and prompt exertions to
persons who never distinguished themselves by more than
one occurrence ; yet with all the foregoing advantages, we
have nothing on record to parallel the extraordinary suf-
ferings and adventures of this truly unfortunate female.
Born and bred to elevated expectations ; till the age of
fourteen, we find in her no disposition to any masculine
propensity ; and but for the premeditated villany of
the most seductive arts, would, in all probability have
passed through life, if not in affluent, yet contented ease.
We shall not, however, in our observations anticipate the
interest the curious reader will feel in perusing her own
narrative, by detailing any opinion we are impressed with
on the authors of her wrongs and sufferings, but dismiss
this note, with the reasons which led to a digression from
the main story : which briefly are, that the public know-
ledge of the hardships she has undergone, may induce the
libei'ality of a feeling and liberal public, to undertake
something for her benefit, in addition to her Majesty's
bounty of 201. per annum, in order that she may pass the
latter part of her days in more ease and tranquillity than
those of her early ones, as being wholly dependant on the
Royal Bounty, the half-yearly receipt of which is antici-
pated by an indispensable contract of debt, for daily sup-
port ; and unless the Providence which has hitherto sup-
ported her under the most perilous circumstances, should
still befriend lu-r precarious situation, by inducing the
wealthy and liberal to contribute towards her future pros-
voL. II. Y pects,
162 THB ADVENTURES OF
pects, in supporting a subscription suggested by the pub-
lisher of her adventures; she must inevitably remain —
the Child of Chance, and of Misfortune ! Subscriptions
towards the relief of Mary-Ann Talbot received
only by the Publisher, R. S. Kirby, London-house Yard,
St. Pauls.
[The veracity of every circumstance stated, will be
proved in the course of the Narrative.]
I WAS born to experience in the extremest sense of the
word, the disagreeables incident to human nature ; and if
the reader of the following pages should judge harshly
the inducements that precipitated me into the early
part of misfortunes which have attended each succeeding
year of my life, I have only to supplicate commiseration
towards a being bred in a country village, and from thence
sent to a boarding-school 180 miles from the metropolis,
on leaving which, after nine years careful attention to my
education and morals, I have to date the commencement
of my future troubles.
I am the youngest of sixteen natural children, which
my mother had by Lord William Talbot, Baron of Hen-
sol, Steward of his Majesty's Household, and Colonel of
the Glamorganshire Militia, with whom she kept a secret
correspondence for several years. I never could trace any
particular event taking place at my birth, which might
serve as a presage of the singular adventures which I have
since met with ; unless it was in the circumstance of my
being a surviving twin, nor do I know any thing relative to
the juvenile part of my life, but from the information of
an only sister considerably elder than myself, and whom
indeed I had taken to be my mother. From her I learnt
I was born at London, in the parish of St. Giles, on the
2d day of Feb. 1778, in the house now in part occupied
by Mr. Gosling, the banker, Lincoln's Inn Fields. The
hour
MARY -ANN TALBOT. l6S
hour which brought me into the world deprived me of the
fostering care of a mother, whose loss I can never suHi-
ciently regret, and in a short time I was sent to nurse at a
small village called Worthin, about twelve miles from
Shrewsbury, where I remained until I had attained my
fifth year, under the fostering care of an excellent woman,
without feeling the irreparable loss I had sustained in the
death of the only parent who might have been my pro-
tector and guide through life.
At the expiration of my fifth year, I was removed,
(I know not by whose orders, but rather imagine by some
friend of Lord Talbot's, who died before I left my nurse,)
to Mrs. Tapperly's boarding school, Foregate-street,
Chester, in order to receive a liberal education. Here I
remained nine years, unacquainted with the vices of the
world, and knew no misery but seeing children more for-
tunate than myself, receiving the embraces of their
parents and friends. During my residence at Mrs. Tap-
perly's, I found a kind protector in my only surviving
sister, who was married to a Mr. Wilson of Trevalyn, in
the county of Denbigh, North-Wales.
In this relative I found every attention and care
expected from a parent, and whom, indeed, as I have
before stated, I took to be such. In her society I enjoyed
the only gleam of happiness I was doomed to experience,
from the moment of my coming into the world to the pre-
sent instant ; and even this was but of short duration ; for
alas, in the bloom of her youth, and the flower of her
age, she unfortunately fell a victim to childbirth, leaving
me to regret, by the same visitation of Providence, a
second parent, in the loss of a sister and friend united,
and whom I tenderly loved ; and as such, have never
ceased to lament. She told me the name she was known by
before her marriage, was the Hon. Miss Dyer, being the
name of the family she was brought up in, and possessed a
Y 2 fortune
164 LEAVING SCHOOL.
fortune of 30,0001. besides an income of fifteen hundred
pounds per annum.
Deprived thus of the only relation and friend 1 knew in
the world ; and that at an age too, when I stood most in
need of her advice and assistance, I felt a vacuity in ray
heart, which rendered existence irksome. The care of
me now devolved solely on a gentleman of the name of
Shuker, who resided at Newport, in the county of Salop,
who, within three months after the decease of my sister,
taking on himself the authority of a guardian, removed
me from the school at Chester, and placed me in his own
family ; where I soon became sensible of the loss I had
sustained in the death of my dear sister, in a more eminent
degree than ever ; as the severity of Mr. Shuker seldom
permitted me to quit the room assigned me but at meal-
times, and seemed by the general conduct of his man-
ners, to inspire me with a dread of his person, and
consequently to avoid as much as possible any con-
versation on my circumstances, or that of my deceased
sister. I must confess I was at a loss during the period
I resided with him, to assign any reason for his conduct
towards me ; but have since been so perfectly satisfied
as to its being a premeditated plan of his, to throw me
in the way of any person whatever, who would remove
from his care a charge, that, for reasons only known to
himself, made the sight of me to him intolerable.
I had not been long under the roof of this inhospitable
man, before he introduced me to a Captain Essex Bowen
of the 82d regiment of foot, who I had once before seen
at Chester, iu company with Mr. Shuker ; and understood
from him, was then on the recruiting service. This
was about a week previous to my quitting Mrs. Tapperly'sj
and who now appeared to be well acquainted with the
particulars of my birth and family.
From the moment of his introduction to me at Mr.
Shuker's,
CONVEYED TO LONDON. 165
Shuker's, he paid me particular attention, which I ac-
counted for in consequence of Mr. Shuker's observing —
I was to consider him as my future guardian, he being ap-
pointed to superintend my education abroad ; and requested
me to pay him every possible regard, as the person to
whose care I was entrusted.
In a few days I quitted Mr. Shuker's in company with
Captain Bowen, who, on our departure, pretended to my
late guardian, the most inviolable attachment to my
family ; and assured him in my hearing, that he would on
his arrival in town, place me under the care of a female
friend, in order to complete my education, and knowledge
of the world ; without which, he declared, I should be
considered as an alien by my own family.
Unexperienced in the ways of a deceitful world, my
youthful mind was elated at the thoughts of visiting-
London, a place which I had heard so much talk of, and
was highly delighted with the varying scenes which alter-
nately presented themselves to my view on the road,
though the season of the year was inauspicious to beau-
tiful prospects, being in January, 1792. On our arrival
in the capital, which we reached without any remarkable
circumstance, I was conveyed by Captain Bowen to the
Salopian coffee-house, Charing-Cross, kept at that time by
a Mrs. Wright, to whom 1 was introduced as his charge ;
and where I soon after experienced a visible change in
the manners of my pretented protector ; who, in a very
short period put in practice the villainous scheme which
he had, no doubt, before our arrival in town, premedi-
tately resolved on. Instead of exhibiting the least re-
morse, or endeavouring to soothe a mind, agitated by his
proceedings, he threw off the mask which had hitherto
concealed the villain, and placed in my view the deter-
mined rufhan. Intimidated by his manners, and in the
knowledge of no friend near me, I became every thing-
he
166 EMBARKED FOR ST. DOMINGO.
he could desire ; and so far aided his purposes as to be-
come a willing instrument to my future misfortunes.
I did not remain long before I was to become the ob-
ject of more degradation ; as, in consequence of an order
from the regiment Captain Bowen belonged to, he was
ordered to embark for St. Domingo ; and projecting far-
ther plans on my happiness, for, conceiving me pro-
perly subjugated to his purpose, and remarking my
figure was extremely well calculated for the situation he
had assigned me, he produced a complete suit of male
attire ; and for the first time made me acquainted with
the unmanly design he had formed, of taking me with
him to the West-Indies, in the menial capacity of his
foot-boy.
I had not much time to deliberate how to act ; and by
this time knowing his peremptory disposition, in a fit of
frenzy and despair, I yielded to the base proposal, and
assumed the character he had thought fit to assign me, in
the name of John Taylor, which I ever after retained.
Thus equipped, I travelled with him to Falmouth,
where soon after our arrival, we embarked on board the
Crown transport, Captain Bishop, and set sail for the
West Indies on the 20th day of March, 1792. We had
not been long on our voyage before I began to experience
the hardships of my situation : shipboard even to the ro-
bust and most daring of the male sex, is at first a very
unpleasant dwelling; and it must naturally be supposed,
was to one like myself particularly disagreeable ; and the
novelty of my new attire did not exempt me from being
compelled to live and mess with the most menial of tbe
ship's company, as Captain Bowen never suffered me
once after I was on board to eat with him, but forced me
to put up with what he left at meal times.
Fearful of incurring the raillery which detection
would have occasioned, I resolved to endure the hard-
ships
A STORM DURING THE VOYAGE. 167
ships I suffered with patience, rather than discover
my sex.
During our voyage we encountered a most tremendous
gale, which continued for several days with such fury,
that we were obliged to throw our guns overboard, in or-
der to lighten the ship, and were reduced to such distress,
as to render it necessary for the pumps to be kept at
work continually ; in consequence of which every person
without distinction, (officers excepted,) was obliged to as-
sist in the laborious office. It was in this extremity I first
learnt the duty of a sailor ; being obliged on some ne-
cessary occasion, first to go aloft, which frequent use
rendered at last familiar, and by no means irksome.
In addition to our affliction, the storm having driven
us several leagues out of our latitude, we were compelled
to put ourselves on half allowance ; having, in our eager-
ness to lighten the ship, thrown overboard, besides the
guns, casks of water, bags of biscuits, and many articles
of indispensable necessity to our future comfort which we
after severely missed ; in consequence of which, we were
compelled to put ourselves on the short allowance of a
biscuit per day ; and for water we were so much distressed,
as to be wholly without for the space of eight days, during
which period we were happy in consequence of some fa-
vourable showers, to wring the rain-water from our watch
coats, which, on such occasions, we never failed to hand
out, to retain as much as possible the providential succour
received. Nay, to such extremity were we reduced for
want of this necessary article of life, that I have gladly
flown to any little settlement of water on the deck, eagerly
to apply my lips to the boards to allay the parching thirst
I experienced.
As if the measure of our troubles were not accom-
plished, our main-top-gallant mast was rent asundei , and
swept four men busily engaged at the windlass for our
mutual
168 MADE A DRUMMER.
mutual preservation, into the sea, whom we never saw
more.
Whether in consequence of the agitation I underwent,
in the exertion of what I conceived now my duty, or the
want of necessary provision, I know not; but the sudden
loss of appetite I experienced, threatened to bring on me
a fit of illness. After the storm was abated, a strong gale
sprung up, and being in favour of our caurse, we proceeded
at the rate of thirteen and fourteen knots an hour.
We arrived at Port-au-Prince in the island of St. Do-
mingo, early in the month of June; where, after the
fatigue and distress I suffered on the voyage, by fortunate
opportunities of taking moderate rest, my health and
spirits were quickly restored, except a little weakness and
debility brought afterwards on by the heat of the climate,
and occasional melancholy reflections on my own unfor-
tunate situation ; as during my continuance on this island
I avoided as much as possible, the sight and company of
my destructive and abandoned betrayer.
Our stay at St. Domingo was but of short duration,
owing to the arrival of a packet from England, which
missed overtaking us, with orders to countermand our des-
tination, and to join the troops on the continent, under
the command of his Royal Highness the Duke of York,
by the gale before described. Here it was I was doomed
to undergo another change of character ; for Captain
Bowen, judging it not convenient to continue me in the
situation of his foot-boy, proposed my being enrolled in
the regiment as a drummer, which, on my objecting to,
he threatened to have me conveyed up the country, and
sold as a slave. From dread of his really putting his
threat in execution, I reluctantly acquiesced in his desire,
and was immediately equipped in the dress of a drum-
mer, and learnt the art of beating the drum from the in-
structions of drum-major Rickardson. In pursuance of
the
ARRIVED IN FLANDER3. 169
the orders brought by the packet, we immediately em-
barked on board some transports appointed for that ser-
vice; and, being favoured with a brisk gale, during the
best part of cur voyage, we arrived safely at the place
of our destination, a port on the coast of Flanders, the
name of which I cannot well remember ; as, immediately
after our disembarkation, we marched off to join the main
army at head quarters ; previous to reaching which,! found
I was to answer the purpose of Capt. Bowen, as before, in
the capacity of his drudge and foot-boy, whenever oppor-
tunity would allow the attendance from my duty as
drummer. This mode of life was by no means congenial
to my feelings; and, indeed, was in my eye worse than
the situation I was in while foot-boy, only although I
was more immediately compelled to endure the sight of
a man, now rendered to me detestable.
I perfectly remember one, among a multitude of ha-
rassing excursions, which had nearly proved fatal to his
Royal Highness the Duke of York, a part of his army,
as well as myself. After a long and heavy march of
thirty miles in one day, without halting but once for re-
freshment, while pitching our tents and making intrench-
ments, a part of our troops, for a time taking rest, were
surprised and surrounded by the enemy, excepting a small
space which led to a*i adjacent wood, and furnished a
means of retreat to a part of the army, among which I
was one, though without other apparel than my small
clothes, which I had not taken off. The enemy ob-
serving our camp at rest, made the attempt in the
middle of the night, owing to which circumstance many
others, as well as myself, were equally unprepared in
point of accoutrements, though the most we suffered on
this occasion was the alarm, as a large party of Austrians,
who had doubtless watched the motions of our adversa-
ries, came timely to our assistance, and compelled the un-
VoL. 11. z welcome
170 SIEGE OP VALENCIENNES.
welcome intruders to make a precipitate retreat, by which
we regained our former station.
We continued to have frequent skirmishes with the
enemy previous to the grand object of our royal com-
mander, namely, the celebrated siege of Valenciennes,
at which place I became subject to greater hardships than
any I had hitherto experienced. Compelled to remain
among my comrades wherever duty called, in the various
struggles which preceded the surrender of the place, an
eye witness to hundreds of friends and foes, indiscri-
minately falling around me ; where the 11th dragoons,
conspicuous above the rest, fought with their broad-
swords hand to hand, over heaps of dead and dying
soldiers, 1 was shocked to see many a brave fellow at first
but slightly wounded, meet his death by the trampling of
horses, spurred on by the contending antagonists ; during
these conflicts, obliged to keep a continual roll to drown
the cries and confusion, on the various scenes of action.
The infantry equally distinguished themselves ; as, where-
ever the enemy, however superior in numbers, opposed
their progress, they never failed to meet their fate, on the
point of the British bayonet.
Towards the end of this memorable siege, I received
two wounds, though fortunately neither deep nor dan-
gerous : the first from a musquet ball, which glancing be-
tween my breast and collar bone struck my rib ; and the
other on the small of my back, from the broad sword of
an Austrian trooper, which, I imagine rather proeeeded
from accident than design, the marks of which two
wounds I still bear, though at the same time I carefully
concealed them, from the dread of their discovering my
sex, and effected a perfect cure, by the assistance of a lit-
tle basilican, lint, and a few Dutch drops. These acci-
dents happened on the same day the Hon. Mr. Tolmache
was killed by a auisket ball.
Soon
DESERTS FROM THE TOWN. 17l
Soon after Valenciennes surrendered, and we in conse-
quence marched in and took possession of the town, and
found most of the women and children had taken refuge
in cellars and places underground. I need scarcely no-
tice, every protection possible was afforded to these un-
fortunate sufferers. On our arrival in the town 1 learnt
that my persecutor, Captain Bowen, was no more, having
fallen in the attack; this I was informed by one of my
comrades: and though I had every reason rather to re-
joice at such an event than grieve, yet it was with the
greatest difficulty I could smother the sudden emotion
I experienced on the intelligence, or conceal the hidden
character of a woman, in shedding a tear on his fate, how-
ever unworthy. I had no great difficulty in finding his
body; nor was it thought strange I should endeavour to
seek him out, being always in the habit of attending on
him at his tent when I was off duty : I took from his
pocket the key of his desk, out of which I took some
letters, which on perusing in private, I found chiefly re-
lating to myself; being the correspondence of my former
guardian Mr. Shuker : these I carefully preserved, and
sewed them up under the shoulder-straps of my shirt.
I now felt my situation truly distressing : left in a
strange country without a friend to consult with, or a place
where I could find an asylum, I suffered under the most
poignant grief, at the same time labouring under an ex-
cruciating pain, and my wounds so situated, that I durst
not reveal them without a discovery of my sex, which I
ever carefully avoided. I hazarded every thing to keep
inviolable my own secret, and committed the care of my
wounds to my own single endeavour and the hand of
time. Thus situated, 1 formed a resolution to desert from
a duty at best imposed on me, and endeavour to return
to England. This step I might not have thought on, had
I not discovered by Mr. Shuker's letters I had been grossly
2 2 imposed
172 ABRIVfiS AT LUXEMBURG.
imposed on, as money had been remitted to Captain
Bowen, and my name mentioned in a way which gave
rise to suspicions I had hitherto been a stranger to, and
to explain how he had notwithstanding, treated me, was
now ray purpose to reveal. Having formed my plan, little
time was necessary to put it in execution. I set out on
foot that morning for the first place Providence might
point out, as my deliverance from an enemy's country ;
however inexperienced I might be in some respects I
had the precaution to change my drummer's dress for
one I had been accustomed to wear when on board, and
during a long part of my journey I carefully avoided any
town, or place of considerable appearance ; always on such
occasions taking a circuitous rout, frequently sleeping in
a tree, under a hay stack, and sometimes in places much
less convenient.
The diminutive and insignificant figure which I made
in my sailor's attire, served me among the peasantry of
the country villages, I was under the necessity of passing,
to obtain refreshment from any straggling boy I could
meet with on the skirts of the place, as a passport ; for no
one thought it worth their while to question a person of my
mean appearance.
In this manner I arrived at Luxemburg in Sep-
tember, without meeting the least molestation ; here
I soon found my ignorance in political matters had led
me into an error of a very awkward nature ; and that
being a town in possession of the French, they would not
suffer me to proceed farther on ray journey. Had I for-
tunately taken the contrary route, I should most probahly
have reached Dunkirk or Calais in one third of the time
it occupied me, in traversing that part of the country ;
us I have learnt from persons conversant with the miij)s
of the continent, the distance from Valenciennes to either
of
ENTERED ON BOARD A FRENCH LUGGER. 173
of the last mentioned parts, is small in comparison to that
I had inadvertently taken to Luxemburg. Finding ray-
self thus situated and destitute of every necessary of life,
and in the midst of a country where no one paid me the
smallest regard, I vras constrained through mere neces-
sity, though sorely against my wish, to engage with a
Captain Le Sage, commander of a French lugger, on
board which I embarked on the seventeenth of Sep-
tember, 1793. Soon after which we dropped down the
Rhine, and sailed on a cruise, when 1 was put to the
most common drudgery of the vessel ; but even this I
could have borne with patience, had not the painful idea
occurred to my mind, that in this new situation, I should
be doomed to raise ray arm against my countryraen, which
I learnt too late was the purpose of Le Sage, whom I had
taken for a captain of a merchantman, but found no other
than commander of a kind of privateer. Fortune, how-
ever, in this one instance, proved kinder to me than she
had hitherto been accustomed, as, on this occasion, in-
stead of falling in with some of the English merchant-
men, as it was generally thought we should, and the
ardent wish of Le Sage, our commander; we, after cruis-
ing about four months without any success, or meeting
with any thing worthy notice, fell in with the British
fleet, under the command of Admiral Lord Howe, then in
the Channel.
On our lirst sight of the British, Le Sage ordered ever^
one to their duty ; and observing me to be missing, he
followed me to where I was concealed among the bal-
last, to which I had contrived access through the
cabin, in fear of being obliged to act against my
country ; and finding me pereist in an obstinate refusal to
come on deck, he beat me on the back and sides with a
rope in a most inhuman manner, and drove me before liiiu
up the cabin stairs; but when on deck I absolutely re-
fused
174 TAKEN BY LORD HOWe's FLEET.
fused to assist in defence of his vessel ; and he being too
much occupied to think only of me, left me to my own
meditation. The British now bore on us, and, after
a trifling resistance from the French, through desperation
only, we were captured, and I considered as an English
boy acting against my country, carried with Le Sage and
his companions before Lord Howe, on board the Queen
Charlotte, to be examined.
Being examined by his Lordship on the cause of
serving on board an enemy's ship, I briefly told him,
*' That being without friends in England, I had accom-
panied a gentleman to the Continent in capacity of foot-
boy, on whose death, I had in the greatest distress reached
Luxemburg, in hopes of getting a passage to my native
country, but finding that impossible, it being at that
time in possession of the French, I was constrained, though
much against my inclination, to enter into Le Sage's ves-
sel, having experienced during the short stay I made in
the town, no attention paid to my distress, chiefly, as I
imagined, from being English ; and that my determina-
tion from the moment I engaged with Captain Le Sage
was, to desert the first opportunitythat offered to forward
my passage to England ; but had I known the intention
of Le Sage was to act in an offensive manner against my
countrymen, I assured his Lordship, I would rather have
perished than been induced to have set my foot on board
his vessel ; having, previous to sailing, taken him to be
commander of a merchantman, and as such engaged with
him."
Fortunately, his Lordship did not think of questioning
me concerning the place where my late master died ; as
in such an event I must have unquestionably have acknow-
ledged myself as a deserter from the British forces at Va-
lenciennes, being in no way prepared to resist such an en-
quiry ; as my readers will be convinced the whole of my
answers
SENT ON BOARD THE BRUNSWICK. 175
answers to his Lordship's questions were founded on the
hardships I had experienced, and in no shape framed to
deceive. This statement joined no doubt to the French-
men's declaring my unwillingness to act in defence of the
lugger, with the beating I had a little before experienced
from Le Sage, gained me a favourable dismissal from
Lord Howe, and served as a passport to a situation on
board one of the ships in his Lordship's fleet, on board of
which I was immediately sent.
Elated with joy on beholding myself placed once more
among my countrymen ; as, after my examination before
Lord Howe, I was stationed on board the Brunswick,
Captain John Hervey, where the story of my adventures,
with the hardships I had suffered, gained me among the
seamen as many friends as hearers, particularly for those
I had undergone Avhile on board the Frenchman. Our
object in this cruise was to seek the fleet of the enemy, and
bring on an engagement. The service allotted me, was
to serve at the second gun on the quarter deck, and hand
cartridge to the men; or, to speak in the seaman's phrase,
to act in the capacity of powder monkey, I had not however
been long on board before Captain Hervey, observing my
cleanliness and manner different from many lads on board,
called me to him, and questioned me as to my friends,
and whether I had not run away from some school, to try
the sea : finding by my answers I had been better brought
up and educated than most in my present situation, he
observed, if I would consider him as a confidential friend,
and tell him the whole truth, 1 should find a protector in
him, as he had children of his own, and could not tell
what hardships they might encounter if he was dead ; on
which I told him I had neither father nor mother living,
and that oppression from the person to whose care I was
entrusted, had first caused my quitting home; and that
in short, I was wholly destitute of any friend in the
world.
176 ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FRENCH FLEET.
world. He appeared concerned at my early misfortunes
in life, and promoted tne immediately to be his principal
cabin boy, in which capacity I continued to serve him until
our fleet came within sight of the enemy.
Three months after my coming on board the
Brunswick, our fleet fell in with that of the French,
which brought on the ever memorable action of the 1st
of June; an event which will ever be remembered with
heartfelt satisfaction by the brave fellows who shared the
toils of that auspicious day, and indeed by every lover of
our glorious constitution and country. I cannot enter
into a minute description of the action, being in the first
part so busily engaged, and in the latter so much wound-
ed ; and shall, in consequence, commit a description of
the part our gallant crew took in this exploit by what I
afterwards was informed while lying under cure of the
wounds I got while employed on board a ship, the glory
of every one who had the felicity of belonging to her, I
mean *' the Brunswick J'
This ship sustained a most tremendous conflict, being
singly engaged for a considerable time with three seventy-
fours. One of these she sent to the bottom ; another,
conceiving her much weakened from her exertions, de-
termined to board, and manned her yards and shrouds,
with a view of running up along-side, and flinging in all
her crew at once. She observing this, with the greatest
intrepidity and coolness, reserved a whole broadside, and
waited her approach. The enemy now drew near, and in
one discharge the Brunswick brought every mast by the
board, and scattered her crew like so many mice upQj^^
the ocean. The other seventy-four yet remained, and
now attempted to close with the Brunswick, harassed
and enfeebled by her amazing efforts. At this moment
the Ramillies, commanded by Captain Hervey's brother,
came up, and running in between the Brunswick and the
Frenchman,
WOUNDED ON THE FIRsjT OF JUNE. 177
Frenchman, took the enemy's fire, and relieved our gal-
lant ship. So closely was she at times engaged, that she
was unable to haul up her lower deck port lids, and was
therefore obliged to fire through them. Nine were in
consequence torn from her side ; and the last broad-side
she gave, every muzzle of her lower deckers touched the
copper of the enemy's bottom. The chief part of this ac-
tion I was spectator as well as actor in, though strange to
add, was not in the least intimidated. Just before the
coming up of the Ramilies, I received a severe wound
above the ankle of my left leg, by a grape shot, that
struck on the aftermost brace of the gun, which re-
bounding on the deck, lodged in my leg ; notwithstand-
ing which I attempted to rise three times, but without
effect, and on the last effort part of the bone projected
through the skin in such a manner as wholly to prevent
my standing, if I had been able to rise ; in addition, to
complete the misfortune, I received another wound by
a musket ball, that went completely through my thigh,
a little above the knee of the same leg, and lay in this
crippled state till the engagement was over ; every person
on board not wounded, being too much occupied to yield
me the least assistance. I remained in this situation the
rest of the action ; but at length was conveyed, with
many other wounded, to the cock-pit ; where the surgeon,
after making me suffer the most excruciating pain, could
not extract the grape-shot from above ray ankle, so com-
pletely was it lodged, and surrounded by the swelling
which soon took place, and prevented his endeavour,
through fear of injuring the tendons, among which he
declared it lay.
Our ship being so much shattered, it was deemed neces-
sary she should be put in port to undergo repairs ; in con-
sequence of which we were towed into Spithead soon
after the action : but the severity of my wounds obliged
Vol. II. A A me
178 ENTERED ON BOARD THE VESUVIUS.
me to keep close to my berth, and was thus deprived of
the gratifying pleasure of being hailed with those of my
gallant messmates, who, on their arrival at Spithead,
were greeted with the loudest acclamations of applause,
by their grateful countrymen. With the first convenient
opportunity, I was conveyed to Haslar hospital, at Gos-
port, and placed under the care of surgeon Dodd, as out-
patient, there not being sutficient room, from the number
of wounded seamen, to admit me into the hospital : dur-
ing the time I lay under his hands, I lodged at No. 2,
Rieraes Alley, Gosport, and supported myself with money
I had received from Captain Hervey prior to the engage-
ment. After four months attendance, and obtaining a
partial cure, as surgeon Dodd, though the utmost of his
skill was exerted, could not extract the ball, it having
lodged among the tendons, as before stated ; to have cut
among which, he said, would make me a cripple for
life.
At length, little remaining but the scars which I shall
carry to my grave, and having obtained in a great mea-
sure the use of my leg, I was discharged from the hospi-
tal, and soon after entered on board the Vesuvius bomb.
Captain Toralinson, then belonging to the squadron un-
der the command of Sir Sydney Smith, lying at Spithead.
and immediately commenced a cruise, in hopes of making
prizes ; but after some weeks cruising on the French
coast without success, we steered for the Mediterranean,
and, on our arrival at Gibraltar, came to an anchor,
where we continued for three days ; during that time we
received an order to join the squadron under Sir Sidney
Smith, on which we immediately weighed, and pro-
ceeded according to the directions received. Nothing
worth notice occurred until we fell in with Sir Sydney
and the ships under his command, in company of which
we proceeded to Havre de Grace, where we were soon
after
TAKEN PRISONER AND CONFINED, 179
after separated in a gale ; and continuing on the French
coast with intent to rejoin Sir Sydney, fell in with two pri-
vateers near Dunkirk ; from whom, observing their supe-
rior force, Captain Tomlinson endeavoured to make sail.
The Frenchman observing his determination, crowded
all the sail he could make, in chase ; and we instantly
commenced a running fire, which continued seven hours;
at the end of which their superior weight of metal
brought us to, and were in consequence immediately
boarded. What became of Captain Tomlinson, the ves-
sel, and part of the crew, I know not, as myself, and
William Richards, a young midshipman, (in which ca-
pacity I also acted on board the Vesuvius) were separated
from the rest, and carried on board one of the two pri-
vateers that captured us ; we imagined the rest were con-
veyed on board the other ; but I have since reason to think
the Vesuvius was recaptured, as she now continues in the
British service.
When on board the privateer, who had taken us pri-
soners, we were deprived of our dirks, and conveyed to
Dunkirk, where we were lodged in the prison of St. Clair,
in Church-street, which had a little before belonged to
the nuns of St. Clair, some of whom, since the revolution,
have settled in England. Here I experienced the hard-
ships of a French prison for the tedious space of eighteen
months ; in the course of which time Richards and my-
self projected a plan for our escape, by getting to the top
of the prison, in order to jump off; but being observed
by a centinel on duty, we were both confined in separate
dungeons, where it was so dark, I never saw daylight,
during the whole time, of eleven weeks ; and the only al-
lowance I had, was bread and water, let down to me from
the top of the cell. My bed consisted only of a little straw,
not more than half a truss, which I never had changed.
For two days I was so ill in this dreadful place that I
A A 2 was
180 EXCHANGED AND RELEASED.
was unable to stir from my wretched bed of straw, to
reach the miserable allowance; which, in consequence,
was drawn up in the same state it was the day before
let down. The next morning a person, who, I suppose,
was the keeper of the place, came into the dungeon with-
out a light, (which way he came I knew not, but suppose
by a private door, through which I afterwards passed
to be released) and called out to me, " Are you dead ;" to
which I was only able to reply, by requesting a little
water, being parched almost to death by thirst, resulting
from the fever which preyed on me : he told me he had
none, and left me in a brutal manner, without offering
the least relief. Nature quickly restored me to health,
and 1 sought the bread and water with as eager an incli-
nation as a glutton would seek a feast. About five weeks
after my illness, an exchange of prisoners taking place, 1
obtained my liberty, but did not see any thing of Richards
till after my arrival in England, where I met him by
chance, near Covent-Garden.
During my residence in the prison of St. Clair, I ob-
served among the rest of the prisoners, a very ingenious
man, a German, who employed his time, and obtained
more comforts in this place, than most others, by working
gold wire in a particular manner, and which he disposed
of, in the various shapes of bracelets, rings, and orna-
mental chains for ladies dresses. This man seemed fearful
I should learn his method of workmanship, and was
angry whenever I particularly noticed him at his work;
notwithstanding, I contrived by frequent sight of the
method he used, to bring the secret with me to England.
I was extremely weak, though in excellent spirits, on
my deliverance from prison, but could scarcely bear the
light for some days afterwards, it having an effect on my
eye^, as everything round me was chalk. 1 had thoughts
of returning to England by the means of those who ef-
fected
ENGAGES IN A VOYAGE TO NEW-YORK. 181
fected my release, but was diverted from this measure by
the following circumstance :
Following my fellow prisoners just released, and from
the pain in my leg, being considerably behind them, it
was my chance to overhear the conversation of a gentle-
man making inquiries in English, of some seafaring men
(by appearance,) in Church-street, near the markef, re-
specting any lad they knew, willing to make a voyage to
America, in quality of ship's steward. I immediately
accosted him, and preferred my service, being des-
titute of necessaries, and prefering such a situation,
if 1 could obtain it, to a return to my native country,
among the rest of my countrymen lately exchanged.
The gentleman immediately asking me my present
situation at Dunkirk, which I briefly explained ; in con-
sequence of which I accompanied him back to the prison
of St. Clair, where finding by the keepers of the prison
I had given him a true relation, he engaged me in the
above capacity to perform the voyage to New-York,
and from thence to England (which he informed me
would be his next voyage) for 501. and all I could make,
at the same time advancing me sufficient cash in part, to
fit me out: his name was Captain John Field, of the
Ariel, merchantman, New-York, on board which vessel I
directly embarked ; and during our short stay at Dunkirk,
was employed in correcting the ship's books, paying the
men, victualling the ship, and taking in the cargo. Our
vessel was chiefly laden with bale-goods, among which
was French-lace to the value of 50001. We set sail for
New- York, in the montli of Aug. 1796, and arrived after
a successful and expeditious voyage of not more than a
month, at the place of our destination, which, on going on
shore I mistook for London, and particularly remarked
a church, so like the one in Co vent-garden, that I abso-
lutely mistook it to be that church. I was detained little
more than a fortnight at New-York, and was chiefly em-
ployed
182 THE captain's niece in love.
ployed in taking an account of the goods delivered to the
respective owners, after which duty, I accepted an invita-
tion to accompany my Captain in an excursion to Provi-
dence State, in Rhode Island, where his family resided.
During this journey, and indeed the whole of the voyage,
I was considered rather as a friend and companion, by
Captain Field, than a person in his pay, and under his
command.
On our arrival at Rhode Island, we found Captain
Field's family in good health ; it consisted of his wife,
four children, and a niece. Here I spent the most agree-
able fortnight of my life, as the Captain neither paid nor
received any visits, but I made one of the party : Mrs.
Field also appeared equally attached to me, which made
the short time I continued among this worthy family, ap-
pear to me but as a dream, so few and transient were my
days of happiness. Among other visits, we made one to
Mr. Field, the Captain's father, a very agreeable and
worthy gentleman. The only circumstance of an unplea-
sant nature that occurred during my stay in America, was
the great partiality the Captain's niece had to my company,
and which proceeded to such an extent, as to make me the
offer of her hand in marriage. I made several excuses,
but could not divert her attention from what she proposed.
Mrs. Field at length being acquainted with the circum-
stance, made my youth and inexperience in the world, a
great objection ; but neither my excuses, nor Mrs. Field's
request, had any weight, opposed to the young lady's in-
clination, which she endeavoured to accomplish to the
last hour of my residence at Rhode Island. She re-
quested before Mrs. Field, that I would make her a pre-
sent of my picture ; for which purpose I sat for a minia-
ture at New York, in the full uniform dress of an Ame-
rican officer — for this picture I paid eighteen dollars.
The time of our departure for England being arrived, 1
reluctantly
ARRIVF,:^ IN KNOLANI). 183
rcliicl.'uilly took my leave of Mr^*. ImcUI, and family; l»uL
had scarcely proceeded two miles on the way to New-
\ ork, before I was summoned back, being overtaken by
a servant, wlio informed the Captain and myself, wo
must come back, as the young; lady was in strong fits.
We retui'ncd, and found her still in a fit, out of which,
with great difficulty we recovered her; and I by making
her a promise of a speedy return fi-om England, with
great reluctance on her part, took my final departure.
Our stay at New-York was but short ; the mate, in the
absence of Captain Field and myself, having taken chai'ge
of the cargo consigned to England, and obtained the ne-
cessary invoices of the goods; chiefiy manufactured cot-
ion, and camblets. This, had I icmained on board,
would have been pai't of my duty ; but through indul-
gence from the captain, was performed by another. We
proceeded on our voyage to England witli a favourable
wind, and arrived at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, wilh-
out meeting with any thing particular on the wa}'. Our
provisions falling short, we took in some fresh, and after
waiting three days for a convoy, j)roceeded to the river
Thames, where we safely cast anchor on the 20th of No-
vember, 1796, and cam(» to a mooring in the tier off
( 'hurch-hole, llotherhithe. Wo delivered our carao,
and had been some days taking in a fiesh one, Caj)tain
Field not thinking of staying longer in J'2ngland than ab-
solutely necessary for taking in an outward bountl cai-go ;
and the many acts of IViondshi]) 1 had exjierienccd from
this gentleman, delerniiiied me i% accompany him in
any voyage he might undertake; particularly as he had
often inl'ormed me if I continued with him a voyage or
two more, he would resign the command of the vessel to
me; it Ijeing his inlentlon to retire from the sea service
in a slioit time, lie told n)e he had an idea of making a
tradiuii
184 BOUNDS AN IMTIUIDI-.U.
trading voyage up the Mediterranean, and commissioned
me to purchase some maps, charts, Sec. necessary for such
an undertaking, which I in consequence bought (at
Faden's, who tljen resided at the corner of St. Martin's
Lane, Strand,) by his direction.
Being short of men to work the ship, the Captain had
engaged two fresh hands, who came on board the after-
noon of the samo day, myself being the only officer on
board ; I took the description of their persons, and entered
their names on the ship's books, being employed at the
same time in seltlins^- my accounts in the cabin, and loose
cash, with some bank-notes lying on the desk. After
giving them orders to assist in swabbing the decks the
first thing in the morning, I dismissed them. Soon after
twelve o'clock at night, I was awakened by a violent noise
at the \ippcr cabin door, with a crash, as if some part of it
had given way. Alarmed at the moment, I searched for
a tinder-box, to strike a light ; hut through hurry,
could not lay my hand on it, as almost at the same
instant I catched hold of a brace of pistols, which
hung on the side of the cabin tire-place ; these to my
great surprize 1 found unloaded. A second attempt of a
more violent nature than the iirst, being made at the inner
<loor, 1 recollected a sword which hung over the captain's
birth, which suddenly I took down : at the instant the
cabin door had given way, by a wrench from an iron
ci'ow, or some such ijistrument, 1 knowing the" situation
of the door, with the sword in my haml made towards it,
and immediately made a thrust that I knew must wound
deep, from the difficulty I found in drawing it back: I
heard neither groan, or noise ; but found the intruder,
wlioover he was, retired. I now sought the tinder-box,
and struck a light, secured the door, and sat up the re-
ujainderof the niirht. The fust thinir in the mornini>- the
men observed a cpiantily of blood on the deck, in a track
from
iMPHF.SSEn. 185
from the cabin dour, whicli lliey noticed us being broke,
and asked me if any thing particular had hajjpened ; to
which I made no reply; but on finding Mac Gregory, one
of the new engaged hands, to be absent, 1 inquired alter
him, and was informed he was unwell from an accident
he had met with the night before in getting into his birth.
I made no other inquiries; but waited until the captain
should come on board, which he did about eleven o'clock
the same morning; and on entering the cabin, noticed
the shattered condition of the door. When I informed
him of the particulars, adding, the man I suspected,
Mac Gregory, still remained in the ship, the captain in-
stantly ordered him to be brought forward, when his thigh
was discovered to be dreadfully swelled, and the marks of
the wound shewed a sword or some such weapon to have
passed through his thigh, lie could make no defence to
my accusation of his attempt to rob the cabin, and break-
ing the door. Captain Field finding his wound danger-
ous, sent him to St. Thomas's hospital, where he escajied
jyrosecution, by the ship's sailing before he could obtain
a cure.
A few days after this atiair, the mate John Jones (a na-
tive of New-Providence) and myself, agreed on a little
excursion on shore, previous to our leaving England, to
which purpose we put on a plain seaman's dress, knowing
the prejudice of most of the lower people about Wapping,
against officers of any description, whom in general they
consider as little better than spies on their actions. But
while about to land at St. Catharij|e's, we were attacke I
by a press-gang, wiiom we resolutely opj)osed ; I in my
defence taking up one of tiie skullers of the boat, with
which I struck one or two who attempted to secure me. In
this contest I received a wound on my head by a cutlass,
a large seam from which remains to the present hour.
After a lonj; str(]f;s;le, durin^r which I was tumbled out of
Vol. II. B B the
18G DISCHARGED FKOM THE TENDER.
the bout up to my arui-pits in water, the mate and liiy-
self were both secured ; fortunately lor him, he had his
warrant as an American officer about him, which procured
his discharge, when taken on board the tender. On my
examination taking place, not prepared for such an event,
I had inadvertently left my protection as an American on
board the Ai'iel, behind me. This circumstance, with the
treachery of Jones, who informed the regulating cap-
tain I was an Englishman, thereby thinking to get rid of
a dangerous rival, (he being particularly attached to the
niece of Captain Field, but had lost all hope of success
with her, by her known partiality for me) and moreover
stated I was the best seaman on board their vessel. This
declaration, joined with the want of the certificate 1 had
left in the Ariel, occasioned njy detention on board the
tender for three days and nights. In this situation my
indignation at the treachery of Jones, agitated me beyond
any thing I had hitherto suifered ; and I thought on va-
rious schemes, but without putting any in practice, to
effect my deliverance. At length, there being a sufficient
number of impresed men collected to clear the tender
for the reception, of others, myself, with the rest of
the men confined were brought upon deck, in order
to be sent to difierent ships. Finding I had nothing
to prevent this, but a disclosure of what I had so long
kept witiiin niy own breast, 1 accosted the inspecting
officers, and told ihem I was unfit to sei've his INkijesty in
the way of njy fellow-sufiei'ers, being a female. On this
assertion they both appeared greatly surprised ; and at
first thought I had fabricated a stoi'y to be discharged,
and sent me to the surgeon, whom I soon convinced of
the truth of my assertion. The officers upbraided each
other with ignorance at not discovering before my being
a woman, and readily gave me a discharge.
Resolved never to go on board IJ!..' Ariel, after 'he dis-
closure
APPLIES TO THK NAVY PAY OFFICE. 187
closure of my sex, 1 wrote to Captain Field, without men-
tioning the way in whicii 1 obtained a discharge from the
tender, only requesting he would meet me as soon as pos-
sible at a house the corner of Tower Street, Tower Hill ;
he being on board at the time, my letter had not been dis-
patched long, before he gave me the meeting, and was
astonished, at my disclosing tu him the manner in whicli
I obtained my liberty. It was some time before I could
convince him I was really a woman ; having for such a
length of time known me experience hardships so oppo-
site the delicacy of the fenjale sex. He endeavoured to
prevail on me to accompany him in his intended voyage,
but no argument could induce me (after acknowledging
former favours received) to accompany him, nor indeed for
the present to think of the sea-service, in any way what-
ever. Finding his applications fruitless, he honourably
paid me every shilling due on our engagement, and be-
side made me a very handsome present. After this in-
terview I saw him but twice, nothing material passing
between us, except his earnest desire of my disguising my
sex, and resuming my former situation, which he could
never prevail on me to accede to.
With money in my pocket, I was undetermined how to
act, but for the present took a lodging in East-Smithheld,
and during my residence here, made several applications
at the Navy-pay-office, Somerset House, for money due
to me, for service on boai'd the JJrunswick, and the Vesu-
vius bomb, from which 1 was taken by the French, exclu-
sive of prize-money I was entifledAto, by captures on the
first of June; at length I was dii'ected to apply respect-
ing the prize-money to the Agent, No. 4, Arundell-street,
Strand, where I immediately went, and was desired to
call another time ; being vexed at tlie disappointment, I
returned to Somerset House ; where, through many dis-
appointments, I made u>e of language which gave offence
B n 2 to
188 KXAMINl'l) AT BOW-STKEET.
to some of the gentlemen, and was immediately conveyed
to Bow-street, on the 31st of December, 179G. Here
I underwent a lon^ examination, which lasted till near
twelve o'clock, before the sitting magistrate, now Sir
Ilicliard Ford, to whom I produced my discharge from
the tender, and other documents to prove the sutierings
and hardships I had undergone, so much to his satisfac-
tion, tiiat I obtained a discharge, and was requested to
attend the Monday following at two o'clock, which I
did, and found there several magistrates assembled, where
I underwent a long j)rivate examination, the consequence
was, a subscription was immediately made, and by the
recommendation of some gentlemen present. I was placed
in a lodging at the house of Mrs. Jones, Falcon Court,
Shoe Lane, with a strict injunction, if possible, to break
me of the masculine habit I was so much used to, I re-
ceived twelve shillings a week for a support till I could
get the money due to me from Government. Tlie above
sum was regularly paid me from the above subscription,
by a Mr. Pritcliard of New-Inn, who was present at my
last examination, and to whom Mrs. Jones was laundress-
1 had not yet changed my seaman's attire; but during
the stay I made with Mrs. Jones, I resumed the dress
of my own sex, though at times I could not so far forget
my seafaring habits, but frequently dressed myself, and
took excursions as a sailor. In less than a month, I re-
ceived the greater part of the money due to me fpom the
Navy-pay-office, which I cheerfully participated in the
family of Mrs. Jones; who, notwithstanding, treated me
in an ungrateful manner, misrepresenting me to the gen-
tlemen who had raised the subscription, as a person on
whom their bounty was mis[)laced, and being inclined to
uiascuUne propensities, more than what became a female ;
such as smoking, drinking grog, (fcc. though I never took
any of the latter, but she was always invited to a part,
and
PETITIONS THE DUKE OF YORK. 199
and of which I never found her backward in taking a good
allowance. Whenever I dressed myself as a sailor, I
sought the company of some messmates I had known on
board the Brunswick, and as long as my money lasted,
spent it in company with the brave fellows at the Coach
and Horses, opposite Somerset House, a place where they
mostly frequented.
I removed from Mrs. Jones's to Chichester Rents,
Chancery Lane, and lodged with a very decent woman,
named Higgins, where the grape-shot which had re-
mained in my leg from the time of our engagement in the
Brunswick, June 1794, worked itself out in Feb. 1797 —
the reason, I imagine proceeded from the wounds break-
ing out afresh, in consequence of my too free use of spi-
rituous liquors, since my residence on shore. I kept the
ball by me for sometime, to which there adhered a quan-
tity of flesh ; but was obliged at last to throw it in the
fire, from the offensive smell of the flesh, which soon putri-
fied ; my leg, notwithstanding the ball was out, continued
so bad, that I applied for admission to St. Bartholomew's
hospital, and went in as a female, though I frequently
wore, while under cure, my sailor's dress, and in conse-
quence was taken as a man in the woman's ward, by
strangers. I remained in Watt's ward, under surgeon
Blake, four months, and during the time had several pieces
of shattered bone taken from my leg ; and at length it
being to all appearance well, I was accordingly dis-
charged. The cure, however, did not prove of any
long duration, the bone being very much injured, and my
blood continuing in a bad state, it soon broke out again.
In this situation, without any place of refuge, or means
of subsistence, I was advised to petition his Royal Hio-h-
ness the Duke of York for relief; and accordingly ap-
plied to a gentleman, who drew up a petition, stating the
various hardships I had undergone by sea and land, and
go
190 EMPLOYED BY A JEWELLER.
got it signed by her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire,
and Sir William Pulteney; I left it at the Horse Guards
with Captain Nowell, secretary to his Royal Highness.
In less than a fortnight, I called at the Horse Guards,
and received from Captain Nowell five guineas, with my
petition signed by his Royal Highness, as well as her
Royal Highness the Duchess of York, and directions,
when I called, that I should present it to her Majesty. I
afterwards got it signed by Sir James Pulteney ; and
through Mr. Dundas, meant to have presented it to her
Majesty ; I taking the opportunity of a court day to give it
to him for that purpose, as he was passing to the royal
apartments ; he remarking it was not intended for him, I
told him no — but I wished him to present it to her Majesty
from myself, and accordingly left it with him.
Not hearing any thing in consequence of my petition,
and the money I had received from his Royal Highness
the Duke of York, being expended, I, for my present
support, thought if I could obtain a machine similar to
the one I observed the German use in the prison of St.
Clair, with which he manufactured the gold wire, I might
obtain a comfortable subsistence ; and for that purpose
I called on Mr, Loyer, a jeweller in Denmark-street, St.
Giles's, in order, if possible, to get a machine from my de-
scription, made. Mr. Loyer, from my instructions, soon
produced an instrument that every way answered the pur-
pose ; and having informed him of the purpose to which
it was intended, he informed me, if I would manufacture
it in his house, he had no doubt he could from his con-
nection, dispose of enough to keep me constantly em-
ployed. I made no objection to his proposal, and worked
gold wire in various shapes, so much to his satisfac-
tion, that I continued in his employ some time, Mr.
Loyer keeping a number of persons employed, myself,
as well as others, worked together; among whom was
a
Jl
Admission to st, George's hospital. 191
a German, named Hieronimo, who, observing the manner
in which I worked, afterwards practised it as part of his
profession, and worked on the same, during the time I
continued in Mr. Loyer's employ. Finding the money
received not adequate to support me in a proper manner,
my wounded leg getting so bad as to put me to consider-
able inconvenience, I applied to Mr. Loyer for an ad-
vancement of price, which, he objecting to, knowing he
had Hieronimo to work it if I left him, we parted ;
before which, being jealous I should learn every thing in
the jewellery business, having been able to work in more
branches than the one he engaged me for, he removed me
for some time previous to my quitting him, to a separate
apartment from the shop, where I worked by myself.
On my quitting Mr. Loyer's, my leg getting worse, I
gained admission to St. George's hospital, and experi-
enced a tedious confinement of seven months. Being
carefully attended by surgeons Keate and Grifiiths ; and
while thus situated, was enabled to enjoy many comforts
which this charitable institution does not supply, from the
benevolent attention of Mrs. Emma Raynes, a lady to
whom I shall ever confess an obligation ; as, immedi-
ately on my obtaining a discharge from the hospital, she
provided me with a decent lodging in Tottenham Court
Road, and supported me for a considerable time at her
own expence, though I had no other claim to her pro-
tection than my necessitous condition prompted her at-
tention to. Previous to my finding a friend in this lady,
it was judged by several in the hospital, from the low
state I was reduced to, (my bones coming almost through
the skin) I should not get over the illness under which I
laboured, from the pain of my wounded limb, and I pro-
cured some little necessaries from a subscription made by
the young gentlemen, pupils, who attend the hospital ;
one
192 RELIEVED BY THE DUKE OF NORFOLK.
one of whom, named Saife, (I imagine) in joke, offered
me half a crown a week while I lived, to have my body
when dead : however he might mean it, I knew not, but
it produced such an aversion to physic in me, that while
I remained under cure, I would take no more medicine,
fearing it would hasten my death ; and I remarked, my
wound healed faster than before. Weary of the hospital,
I solicited a discharge, though my leg was by no means
well ; and through the kindness of Mrs. Raynes, had
every necessary provided for my use. Unwilling to re-
main a burthen on the generosity of this lady, longer than
I could possibly help myself, I came to a resolution of
making my sufferings known to some persons of distinc-
tion, (having heard nothing relative to the petition I had
left in the hands of Mr. Dundas, to be presented to her
Majesty.) I wrote immediately to his grace the Duke of
Norfolk, whose humane and charitable disposition is too
well known, for me to enlarge on. The result of my
application was successful, as I received a very handsome
present from his grace, to whom I was introduced, after
waiting some time in the library.
This seasonable relief was to me of the greatest service,
though in part it placed me under a very embarrassing cir-
cumstance. Fearing my little fund would be exhausted
before I could get another supply, I endeavoured, as far as
my circumstances would admit, to make as decent an ap-
pearance as possible, that I might more readily appear be-
fore the illustrious personages who had recommended the
presentation of ray petition to her Majesty, and to ob-
tain, if possible, a knowledge, whether it had been pre-
sented by Mr. Dundas, or not. At this time I had re-
moved from the lodging provided me by Mrs. Raynes to
another near Rathbone Place ; and having at times, pre-
vious to my arrival, wore a little powder in my hair, when-
ever
INFORMED AGAINST FOR WEARING POWDER. 193
ever I had occasion to call at the houses of Noble per-
sons, to whom I had made ray case known, I was inform-
ed against as an unqualified person having no license,
through the malice of my last landlady's sister, and re-
received a summons to attend the Commissioners of the
Stamp Office, from the solicitor Mr. Escourt, in Feb.
1799, —to answer the accusation; under this situa-
tion, without money or a fiiend to come forward on my
behalf, I attended on the day mentioned in the notice
I had received, and set up in my defence to the accusa-
tion, that I had never worn powder as an article of di'ess
though I had frequently made use of it in defence of my
King and Country ; this assertion from a female excited
the curiosity of the Commissioners ; who questioned me,
under what circumstance, I could make use of powder
in the way understood from my speech, when I related
the several incidents of my life, in the land, as well as
sea service, likewise my examination at Bow Street, after
applying for my pay at the Navy Office. On concluding
my defence, and remarking the distress of my present
situation, the Commissioners, and other gentlemen pre-
sent, made a handsome collection, and presented me
with it, to the extreme mortification of the informer, who
rather expected a share of the penalty she supposed I
should be under the necessity of paying, than that her
spite against me should turn out so much to my advan-
tage; on the contrary, my late landlady her sister, ex-
pressed herself greatly pleased with the fortunate turn
in my favour; and her sincerity I did not doubt, from
the many little kindnesses I had before experienced from
her. Mr. Escourt, the gentleman from whom I received
the notice to atteud on the Commissioners, gave me a
letter to Evan Nepean, Ejq.ofthe Admiralty, on what
subject I knew not, but rather suppose to be in relation
to myself; which though I delivered at tlie Admiralty
Vol. II. c c Office,
194 WENT TO 0ATLAND9.
Office, I never heard anything of after. To avoid as
much as possible future disagreeables, and to obtain a
sum which might enable me to establish myself in a little
comfort, I thought on the petition I had long since left
in the hands of Mr. Dundas ; and as it was originally
recommended to be presented to her Majesty, by the
message I had received from his E,oyal Highness the
Duke of York, I resolved to wait on his Highness at
Oatlands, to inform him I had never received an answer
to his royal recommendation ; on my arrival at Oatlands,
I sent in my name and business, by one of the attendants
on his Royal Highness — and received in answer a gui-
nea, and a message that his Royal Highness would make
an immediate enquiry concerning where the petition
lay ; and as I had left a direction where I lodged in
town, a few days after I received a quantity of female
apparel from Oatlands — sent as I imagine by order of
her Royal Highness the Duchess of York.
It will naturally strike many of my readers, the long
silence I have kept with regard to Mr. Shuker, particu-
larly as he was the only person, who could have inform-
ed me of many circumstances relative to my family, and
interests ; I need not offer as an excuse for my negligence
in this particular, " that I had been so much occupied
by a variety of circumstances, each following the other,
with a rapidity, as wholly to prevent, had it been my
intention, an earlier seeking his explanation." I had
in a great measure been prevented applying to Mr. Shu-
ker before, in consequence of Messrs. Winter and Hay,
of Long Acre, through the recommendation of Justice
Bond, having taken the trouble of writing to Mr. Wilson
of Trevallyn, several times, for the particulars rela-
tive to my birth and expectations ,• but as he never
obtained an answer to either of the letters sent, I
thought it best to apply to Mr. Shuker in person. Du-
ring the doubt I remained under with respect to the
succes
VISITS MR. SHUKER. 195
success of my petition, I determined to pay this gentle-
man a visit, and went to Shrewsbury, by the Mail 5
and put up at the Talbot, kept at that time by Mr. Purs-
low, 1 then proceeded to Newport, Mr. Shuker's residence,
in a return post chaise; but finding a difficulty of being in-
troduced to him as a female, not ch using to send in my
name, but that a lady wished to speak with him, which
not succeeding to my expectation, I returned to Shrews-
bury, and procured an Ensign's uniform of a person in
Dog Lane, who dealt in clothes from London ; not wish-
ing to change my dress at Mr. Purslow's, where I
was known, I went to the Raven Inn, in Raven Street,
where I changed my female attire, for the one I had
procured the loan of — in which dress I walked to the
Elephant and Castle, in Mardol, and hiring a horse,
rode back to Newport. When I called at Mr. Shuker's
house, I sent a message in by a servant, that a gentle-
man wished to speak with Mr. Shuker, and in return
received an answer to send in my name and business ;
to which I replied, I waited on him knowing Captain
Bowen of the 82d regiment, and had something parti-
cular to communicate ; on which I was immediately intro-
duced to him, and though labouring under considera-
ble agitation, I asked him if he knew a Miss Talbot, or
could inform me what had become of her : he said
he had known her well, but that she had died abroad
in the year 1793, of which he was well informed by let-
ters in his possession, I told him I doubted tiie fact,
and wished to see the letters mentioned, which he
evaded ; I then asked him if she had any par-
ticular mark, or that he should know her well enough
to swear to her person, if he was to see her ; he replied
he could identify her among a thousand, that she was
a twin, and had a deficiency on the left side of her fore-
head ; I immediately put my hair aside, and pointed my
c c 2 finger
196 MR. shuker's sudden death.
finger to the part of my forehead he had described,
and briskly drawing my sword, declared he was my
prisoner, and should account to me for the defici-
ency of what I supposed he had defrauded me. I
informed him that I was Miss Talbot, and had visited
him, for the express purpose of obtaining the property
he had certainly deprived me of, knowing, that when I
was intrusted to his care, he had a sufficient indemnifi-
cation for what trouble or expence he might be put to,
and had no doubt something considerable in trust for
my use ; he appeared surprised and confounded, and
uttering he was a ruined man repeatedly, he trem-
bled much, and abruptly quilted the room ; I was
myself greatly agitated, but conceiving myself so
much injured, I immediately went to Shrewsbury in
order to take a lawyer's advice how 1 should proceed,
and applied to a Mr. Locksdale, who unfortunately was
from home; getting no satisfactory intelligence, I return-
ed to Newport with a determination, if possible, to get
from Mr. Shuker, an information of my family, connec-
tions, and expectations. When I arrived at Newport, I
learnt to my great disappointment, that Mr. Shuker had
suddenly retired from his house, and in less than three
days from the time, was found dead in his bed at a
place called Longford, near Newport, without any pre-
vious appearance of illness. Thus frustrated in gaining
the intelligence I so much needed, 1 left the place in
great distress of mind, with a scanty pittance in my
pocket, which wholly prevented my proceeding to Mr.
Wilson's, at Trevallyn, which I otherwise should have
done, though his wilful neglect in answering the letters
sent by Messrs. Winter and Hay, left me in great
doubt as to the reception he might have given me.
I now took the road to London, where I soon ar-
rived, without any other prospect than the uncertain
hope of a better success with my petition, and thinking
some
IMPOSTOR DETECTED. 197
some money was still due to me for pay, I applied to
Lord Spencer, then first Lord of the Admiralty, and saw
his Lordship, who presented me with a guinea, and it
being in the morning, ordered me some refreshment ;
when I had an excellent breakfast prepared in an adjoin-
ing room.
My existence chiefly depended now, on the liberality of
many Noble and generous persons, to whom I was neces-
sitated to make my case known, and the frequent walks
I was obliged to take in the course of the days I was so
employed, caused the wounds of my leg to break out
again, as wholly to deprive me of walking, many
pieces of the shattered bone occasionally coming out of
my leg ; to remedy this, 1 got admitted into Middlesex
hospital, and about a fortnight after my admission, I
received a message from Justice Bond, to attend, if pos-
sible at Bow Street, to confront a female, who, in the
dress of a Light Horseman had taken the name of John
Taylor, and represented herself in a way to be mistaken
for me. I accompanied the person who brought me the
letter to Bow Street, and saw a fine looking woman
about five feet ten inches high, whom Mr. Bond desired
me to question as to the situation she had occupied on
board the Brunswick, where she reported herself to have
been wounded ; a very few questions brought her to a
confession, that she was not the person she had pretended,
and not giving a satisfactory account of herself, was com-
mitted to the House of Correction for three months,
as a vagrant. William Richards, my fellow-prisoner
in France, chancing to pass in Bow Street, I called to
him from the coach, and he went with me into the Office
and offered to make oath as to my identity ; but Mr.
Bond informed him he was sufl&ciently satisfied who was
the impostor. Several persons in the Office told me this
woman had been imposing on the public in my name
for
198 TRIAL AT CLERKENWELL.
for some time past, and congratulated me on her detec-
tion.
On my return from Bow Street, while getting out of
the coach at the door of my lodging, where I called pre-
vious to my return to the hospital, I was followed into the
passage by a hair-dresser, named Spraggs, of Cleveland
Street, who mistaking me for a lodger in the same
house, with whom he had a dispute, respecting a wig she
had of him, struck me a violent blow, which brought me
to the ground, and cut my head in a shocking manner,
and materially hurt my wounded leg by kicking me in
the passage ; I afterwards learnt the cause of his vio-
lence was. That he had sold a wig to a lady, and that
she was prevented paying him, by the assertion of another
hair-dresser, that the wig was not his property to sell,
but belonged to him, a Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Spraggs in
consequence, when he applied for payment, learnt the
particulars ; and not getting the money he expected,
brought an action in the Marshalsea Court, but was non-
suited by not attending to prove the wig his property.
Thus disappointed, he took the above method of revenge,
and in rage mistook the person ; my friends advised me
to get a warrant for the assault, and I immediately re-
turned to Bow Street, where a warrant was granted me.
Spraggs, however, kept out of the way for several days,
but at last it was served on him, and he was obliged to
find bail for his appearance at the Quarter Sessions,
Clerkenwell Green ; — by returning to Bow Street, on
the day I left the hospital, I could not return there that
night, and was obliged to wait till the regular day of
taking in patients, before I could regain my former place
in the hospital. When the trial came on at Clerkenwell,
I was still in the hospital, but knowing the time it was
to come on, I requested leave of absence from Surgeon
Miners, which I obtained, and attended three days
before
HER majesty's BOUNTY. 199
before my cause came on ; Mr. Sylvester, the present
Recorder of London pleaded my cause, without taking
the least gratuity ; on the contrary, when I attended
him to state to him the case, he made me a handsome
present. Very little defence was attempted in behalf
of Spraggs, who was found guilty of the assault, and
sentenced to pay me 101. for the injury he had done.
This trial over I returned to Middlesex hospital, and
through the skill and attention of Surgeon Miners, I
was once more enabled to use my wounded leg, though
by no means given to understand I had obtained a radi-
cal cure. Soon after quitting the hospital, I received a
notice to attend at the War Office, where I received a
letter directed to Lord Morton, at Buckingham House ;
struck at once that it related to the petition I had left
for her Majesty's sight, and which I imagined his Royal
Highness the Duke of York had sought after, agreeable
to the message I received at Oatlands, I went to Buck-
ingham House, and saying I had a letter from the War
Office for Lord Morton, was directly introduced to his
Lordship, who, on reading the letter, informed me it
related to my petition, and conducted me to another
apartment, where I saw a lady seated, whose hand Lord
Morton desired me to kiss; after which, I returned with
his Lordship to the apartment I was first introduced to,
and received five guineas from his Lordship's hands, on
quitting Buckingham House.
The Lady whose hand I kissed, did not ask me a ques-
tion, nor speak a word : I imagined it might be her Ma-
jesty, though Lord Morton had not mentioned any
thino; concerning; her title or rank ; but I was soon after
confirmed in my opinion by recognizing in the sight of
her Majesty in public, the lady whose hand I had the
honour of kissing at Buckingham House. Lord Morton
directed me to apply to the War-office, where I was in-
formed
200 FORTUNATE PRESERVATION OF MY LIMB.
formed I must attend on a future day, in my sailor's
dress, to receive a half-year's payment of her Majesty's
bounty, which I afterwards did, in the name of John
Taylor, though my name on the War-office book stood
Taylor, John. This was in August, 1799.
On my quitting Middlesex Hospital, Surgeon Miners
informed me, my leg was not in a state to bear much
walking, and the obligation I was under to attend in
person, on many occasions, brought on the complaint
in my leg as bad as ever; and I was recommended by
John Bond, Esq., a Magistrate, of Hendon, in Middle-
sex, to go into Middlesex Hospital a second time ;
Surgeon Miners was at Mr. Bond's at the time I was
thus advised, and told me I must in all probability have
my leg amputated : with this impression on my mind I
entered the hospital a second time, and only escaped
from thence without the loss of a limb, by a singular
though in the first part, unfortunate circumstance : — I
had, previous to going into the hospital, taken under my
care a motherless child of about three years of age,
which when out of my power now to attend, was pro-
tected by two young ladies, who soon after having an
engagement to dine on board the Sophia, a West India-
man, lying oiF Hermitage Stairs, unfortunately took
their little charge on the party, who, not being suffi-
ciently attended to, fell overboard and was drowned.
The intelligence no sooner reached me at the hospital, than
frantic at the loss of the child, although my leg was sur-
rounded with bandages in order for amputation, I the next
morning by seven o'clock, October 24, 1799, quitted the
hospital, after taking off the screw bandage, and
walked to Hermitage Stairs, in such distraction of mind,
that I felt neither pain nor impediment in my leg the
whole way. But on my arrival where the ship lay, 1
could gain no information of the body, and though I
offered
A FALSE PARAGRAPH. 209
offered every thing in my power as a reward to find it —
but without effect, as the child was never after seen ;
it was afterwards suggested, and on reasonable grounds,
that the child was not drowned, but carried to the West
Indies ; as a black boy on board, as well as he could be
understood, gave me to understand the child was not
drowned, but carried away. His name was George La-
Gon Grifiin, and heir to a considerable estate in Shrop-
shire ; as I was informed by his father, Mr. George
Griffin, a Carver and Gilder, burnt out in February,
1804, at No. 16, Charing Cross, who entrusted me with
the care of the child ; being himself under a pecuniary
embarrassment, and in confinement at that time, by a bill
he had accepted for a friend.
A few days after my leaving Middlesex Hospital a
second time, the following paragraph appeared in the
Morning Herald of November 1st, 1799 : — " There is at
present in the Middlesex Hospital, a young and delicate
female, who calls herself Miss T — lb — t, and who is said
to be related to some families of distinction ; her story
is very singular ; at an early period of her life, having
been deprived, through the villany of a trustee, of a sum
of money bequeathed her by a deceased relation of high
rank, she followed the fortunes of a young Naval Of-
ficer to whom she was attached, and personated a com-
mon sailor before the mast: during a cruise in the North
Seas, in consequence of a lover's quarrel, she quitted
her ship, and assumed for a time the military character;
but her passion for the sea prevailing, she returned to
her favourite element, and did good service, and receiv-
ed a severe wound on board Earl St. Vincent's ship, on
the glorious 14th of February ; and again bled in the
cause of her country, in the engagement off Camper-
down ; on this occasion her knee was so shattered, that an
amputation is likely to ensue. This spirited female, we
Vol. n. D D understand,
210 ENTERS MARY-LE-BONE INFIRMARY.
understand, receives a pension of 20/. from an Illustri-
ous Lady, which is about to be doubled." By whom this
paragraph was inserted in the paper, I know not ; but
the reader will easily discover it could be no person who
really knew my story, having quitted Middlesex hospi-
tal some time before ; the only part that resembles truth,
is of her Majesty's Bounty, which had not yet reached
me ; though in that particular the writer has been pleased
to announce what I should be happy to receive.
I had not left Middlesex Hospital more than a fort-
night, before I experienced new trouble and inconveni-
ence in my leg; which previous to my so sudden de-
parture, by the melancholy loss of the unfortunate
child, had been doomed to amputation, by the universal
opinion of the surgeons ; and to the general conversation
on this subject, I attribute the spurious account of my
adventures, which found its way to the Morning Herald.
As I did not wait for a discharge from Middlesex Hospi-
tal, I felt a reluctance to apply there again for relief, but
applied to the St. Mary-le-bone Infirmary, where I ob-
tained an order, and was of course admitted : — here I
continued almost four months ; and after many pieces
of the shattered bone had been extracted, and the flesh
by continued rest, a little grown over, I consulted with
Mr. Phillips, the principal Surgeon, whether I was not
in a situation to quit the Infirmary ; he told me that with
care, and the use of bandages he would give me, I might
do as well out as where I was, but desired I would walk
as little as possible, while I found the least pain, as it
would retard the healing of the flesh round the bone : and
having obtained the bandages of Mr. Waller the House
Surgeon, I immediately thought of quitting the Infirmary;
but having made myself useful towards the latter part of
the time I was there, in keeping account of clothes, and
marking a variety of articles, for the use of the Infirmary
and
ROBBED OF ALL I POSSESSED. 211
and Parish; Dr. Hooper, the principal of the House, objec-
ted to my departure, which notwithstanding I insisted
on, and in consequence came away ; and as Dr. Hooper
said he would report me to the Board, I told him I would
save him the trouble, and went the following Friday,
and stated the whole affair myself, which being satisfac-
tory to the Gentlemen present, I received two guineas,
and well pleased left the place. One of the gentlemen
said, he knew Mrs. Tapperly, of Chester, well, and that
he had a daughter under her care, during the time I was
with her, adding that he knew I was related to the family
whose name I bore, and following me out, made me a
present of a guinea, and I have since, whenever he met
me, experienced some mark of his liberality.
Having engaged a lodging in that neighbourhood, I
removed the whole of my wearing apparel, which in all
situations I had hitherto taken the utmost care of, to this
place. But as if I was to be stripped and persecuted through
life, one morning while in bed, I was robbed of every
article I possessed in the world, and but for the kindness
of some ladies at the next house, should have been with-
out an article to wear: a woman who lived with a trum-
peter of the Dragoon Guards, was soon after taken up
on suspicion of robbing another person, and having in
her possession a great quantity of false keys, and dupli-
cates of property in pawn ; I attended her examination
at Marlborough Street, and discovered several of the
duplicates to describe my property ! I was desired to at-
tend on her trial, as a witness, though in applying to
the pawnbrokers where she had pledged them, I was
informed the same was taken away by an affidavit of
the loss of the duplicates ; she was, however, found guilty
of the robbery taken up for, and sentenced to be trans-
ported for seven years.
A little time after this affair, I received a half year's
D D 2 payment
212 TURNS ACTRESS.
payment of her Majesty's bounty, and not forgetting my
former frolics, of which I was not yet entirely cured, I
went out in company of a person I knew, in male attire ;
after walking some time, it was proposed to take a
tankard of porter, and we went into a public house the
corner of Berwick Street, Oxford Road ; while drink-
ing, I was accosted by a Recruiting Serjeant of the 21st
regiment of Light Dragoons, whose name I understood
was Jones, who, thinking from my appearance and con-
versation, I was a fit subject for his purpose, used every
endeavour, by praising the life of a horse soldier, of
inveigling me to enlist ; finding the attempt fruitless,
and doubting to effect it by persuasion, he had recourse
to artifice, and proposed tossing with me for a pot of
porter, taking a guinea from his pocket and tossing it on
the table, thinking I might take it up ; but perceiving
the drift of his intention, I gave him to understand, I
was not so easily to be taken in ; my friend also joining
me, a dispute was likely to ensue, but instantly leaving
the house, he followed us the distance of several streets,
and seemed very reluctantly to give up the pursuit.
Many professions struck my imagination to take up as
a livelihood, but none appeared more congenial to my
mind than the theatrical line, to which I was ever par-
ticularly attached ; knowing a person belonging to the
Thespian Society, held in Toltenham-court-road, I got
introduced to perform a character, and attempted that
of Floranthe, in the Mountaineers, which I got through
with considerable applause ; Mr. Talbot, afterwards of
Drury Lane Theatre, performed the part of Octavian,
and Miss Mortimer of Covent Garden Theatre, played
Agnes ; I afterwards performed the parts of Adeline, in
the Battle of Hexham ; Lady Helen, in the Children in
the Wood ; Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet ; Irene, in Barba-
rossa; Thyra, in Athelston; the Queen, in Richard the
Third ;
RECEIVES A STRANGE ORDER FOR MONEY, 213
Third ; Mrs. Scout in the Village Lawyer, and Jack
Hawser in Banyan Day : finding this pursuit, however,
more pleasant than profitable, I was compelled to give it
up, and solicit assistance towards my support, from
several respectable persons to whom I had made my ad-
ventures and sufferings known.
A remarkable circumstance which I cannot by any
means omit, as it had nearly involved me in a situation,
more dangerous than any I had hitherto encountered ;
about the time my adventures attracted the attention of
the first characters in the kingdom, I had received several
sums of money from persons, who at the time, did not
discover to whom I was obliged, and one evening a gen-
tleman called at my lodgings, and on being introduced
to my apartments, asked me if I was the person who
had sufi'ered so many hardships abroad ? I replied in
the afiEirmative ; when he informed me Colonel Gerrit
Fisher, of the 9th regiment of foot, had been particularly
inquiring concerning me, and he had no doubt it would
produce something considerable to my advantage ; he
shortly took his leave, and about a month after, called
in my absence, and left with Mrs. Cornish, who kept
a shop at No. 14, Suffolk Street, at which house I
lodged, an order signed by Colonel Fisher, on Messrs.
Cox and Co., Craig's Court, Charing Cross, for nine
guineas, saying at the same time, it was the amount of
money received in subscription for my use, by Colonel
Fisher; he also left a complimentary note, in which he
stiled himself Captain Grant, and was accompanied by a
person who was introduced to me to be a servant of Colonel
Fisher's and confirmed what Grant said : this order came
as I then thought, providentially to my aid, but it being
holiday time, I waited a few days, after which in com-
pany with Mrs. Cornish, I presented it for payment as
directed, but was informed Colonel Fisher was out of
town.
Sl4 NEARLY PROSECUTED FOR FORaERY.
town, and they could not pay it ; very much disappointed,
I returned home, and as I did not hear when the Colonel
was expected in town, it was a considerable time after
that I thought of calling on him respecting the trans-
action, which at length I did, at his house, No. 5, Man-
chester Square, Feb, 2d, 1802,- on saying I wished to
speak with Colonel Fisher on business, he came into the
passage, and understanding in part what I had to say,
introduced me into the parlour, where I saw a lady
seated, who I afterwards found was the Colonel's lady,
I now presented him with the note, and asked him if it
was his hand writing, on reading it over, he asked me
how I came by if, when I told him it was left at my apart-
ments by a gentleman, who said it was the amount of
what Colonel Fisher had raised in subscription for me ;
the Colonel requested a description of the gentleman's
person, and gave me a pen and ink to write it down, on
which I first described the gentleman who had called,
and reported Colonel Fisher's interesting himself on my
account, and was about to write the particulars down,
when Mrs. Fisher prevented me, by saying to the Colonel,
" It surely must be Gardiner," to which he made no re-
ply, but putting the order in his waistcoat pocket, said
he would take care of it, though he did not give me a
shilling; a few days after, he called at my lodgings, and
seeing Mrs. Cornish, asked her who, and what I was,
and whether she did not think I had forged the order ?
Mrs. Cornish then related the same particulars of my
possessing the order, as I had before informed him. He
then left the house, telling Mrs. Cornish if she had not
given a good account of the way the draught was left, he
should have prosecuted us both for a forgery. — I after-
wards called at his house, and sending up my name, was
told by a servant, my business required no answer, since
when, I have never heard any thing of him or his order.
Whether
SENT TO NEWGATE FOR DEBT. 215
Whether or not the order was of Colonel Fisher's hand-
writing, or a trick played on me by the man who styled
himself Captain Grant, I never could learn, but as the
clerks of Cox and Co. must have been acquainted with the
hand-writing of the Colonel, and never attempted to stop
it, or say it was a forgery, I cannot bring myself to think
it was so ; nor did the Colonel himself say to me it was not
his writing, only questioned me how I came by it.
With the certainty of my income from her Majesty's
bounty, I removed to the neighbourhood of Whitecha-
pel, sometime previous to my waiting on Colonel Fisher;
and having been ever more remiss in my own accounts
than those of others, the landlady where I had taken my
abode, brought me in a bill for lodging, &c. amounting to
1 IZ. 3s. Qd. which being incapable of paying, I was ar-
rested at her suit in the court of Exchequer, and after
remaining at a lock-up house, in Carey Street, Lincoln's-
Inn-fields, a week, and being sufficiently tired of the
expence. I was removed to Newgate, though not before
I had been enabled by a friend to offer down six guineas
in part of the debt, which was rejected; a new scene in
life now opened to my view, and finding many of my fel-
low prisoners of a congenial temper with my own, I fre-
quently joined in parties of conviviality hardly to be
credited in this place; these pleasures, however, were
confined to a certain time, as my station in the women's
ward, compelled a separation by ten o'clock, at which
hour, the wards are separately locked.
At one of these meetings I was very near being turned
out of the prison, as a stranger; having accepted the
office of president on a club-night, I equipped myself in
a suit of men's clothes, and took the chair ; after passing a
few pleasant hours in the midst of our singing, smoking,
and drinking, the time of separation arrived ; when re-
turning
2l6 RELEASED FROM PRISON.
returning to the women's side, I was followed in by Mr.
White, the principal turnkey, who asked my business,
and mistaking me for a stranger, visiting some of the
prisoners, conducted me into the lobby in order to turn
me out; but on my remonstrance that I was a prisoner,
and telling my name, he threatened to send me to the
felons' side for attempting an escape in disguise, to which
purpose he went and informed Mr. Kirby, the keeper,
who shortly after coming into the lobby, I explained to
him the whole of the transaction, adding, that having
been used to a male dress in the defence of my country, I
thought I was sufficiently entitled to wear the same
whenever I thought proper ; at the same time shewing
him the wounds 1 had received ; he directed Mr. White
to conduct me to the women's side as usual, and in a
day or two after, sent for me to relate to him the whole
of my adventures, with which he seemed so well pleased,
that he sent for me two or three times after when he
had company, from whom I received some handsome
presents.
I was advised to petition the Society for relief of per-
sons confined for small debts, and having obtained the
form of a letter I should send, got it conveyed, with
respectable vouchers as to the truth of my memorial :
five pounds was sent to Mr. Kirby for the purpose of
settling the debt, but if the plaintiff refused that sum,
it was to be returned to that charitable institution. Mrs.
Nicklin, was, however, too good a judge to refuse so good
an ofier, and accordingly took the money, which was
given to her friend Mr. Edmonds, on bringing my dis-
charge ; his expences must have swallowed the greatest
part of the above sum ; and my landlady was well off
in not being troubled herself by her own attorney, which
must have been the case, if she had refused the sum
offered,
DISCOVERY OF MY MOTHER'S MINIATURE. 2l7
offered, as I was determined to have sued her as soon as
I could, for the sixpences.
My time in Newgate was rendered more comfortable
than I had any reason to ex,pect, from the constant at-
tention of a female Avho had lived with me some time
previous to my being arrested, for when no longer in my
power to support her in a way I had been accustomed,
instead of quitting me, she remained in the prison, and by
needle work she obtained, contributed greatly to my
support, she has continued with me ever since, and re-
mains a constant friend in every change I have since
experienced.
By an accidental mistake in arranging the notes I had
made in the course of my. narrative, the annexed circum-
stances appear out of the order they should have been
inserted ; in order to rectify, as far as possible, the de-
fect, I have referred back to the leading occurrences,
with which they are connected :
" When I was about nine years of age, my sister took
me from Chester, to Trevalyn, on a visit for a few days ;
I had taken her to be my mother ; and whenever speak-
ing to her, called her as such: one day while in her own
room, she opened a kind of cabinet, and taking a minia-
ture of a lady from a drawer, I asked her who it was?
she burst into tears, and told me she was not my mother ;
but that lady was, represented in the picture ; whose
daughter she also was, and my only surviving sister; and
would endeavour to discharge the duty of both in her-
self towards me. The miniature represented a female of
a small size and a very delicate appearance, with a re-
markable blue spot on the forehead between the eyes ;
which though I never saw afterwards, is so strongly
imprinted on my mind, that nothing has been able to
erase it from my memory : my sister was so much agitated
on the occasion, as not to have told me my mothei-'s
Vol. II. E E name
218 LASHED TO THE JIB-BOOM.
name and family, of which I remain in ignorance to the
present hour ; though I have been informed of a family
to whom my mother belonged, whose name I do not
think proper to make use of, not having as I think, suffi-
cient authority to assert as proof."
" While on board the Vesuvius, we encountered a most
tremendous storm, in which I was employed on an occa-
sion that I can never think of, without reflecting, how
much hardship in youth, a human being can sustain ; —
it was necessary for some one on board, to go to the
jib-boom, to catch the jib-sheet, which in the gale had
got loose; the continual lungeing of the ship rendered
this duty particularly hazardous, and not a seaman on
board, but rejected this office ; I acting on board in the
capacity of Midshipman, though I never received pay
on board this ship, but as a common man : I mention
this circumstance only, that it was not my particular
duty to have undertaken the task, which on the refusal
of several who were asked, and the preservation of us all
depending on this exertion, I voluntarily undertook the
charge : on reaching the jib-boom, I was under the neces-
sity of lashing myself fast to it; for the ship every mi-
nute making a fresh lunge, without such a precaution I
should inevitably have been washed away, the surges
continually breaking over me, and I suffered an uninter-
rupted wash and fatigue for six hours, before I could
quit the post I had so willingly occupied ; but danger
over, a sailor has little thought of reflections : and my
messmates who had witnessed the perilous danger I was
placed in, passed it off in a joke, " that I had only been
sipping sea-hroth ;" but it was broth of a quality that
though most seamen relish, yet few I imagine would like
to take in the quantity I was compelled."
" The following anecdote, roused reflections which led
me to seek a regular employment, and caused my appli-
cation
LUCKY ESCAPE. 219
cation to Mr. Loyer, by whom I was afterwards en-
gaged.
*' With the money I had received from Captain Field,
of the Ariel, I frequented the theatres, and houses about
Covent Garden, where I became known to persons of
every description as a good companion ; among others,
I had formed an acquaintance with Haines, the well
known highwayman, who some time after was hung in
chainSj on Hounslow Heath, for shooting one of the
Bow Street Officers, who was about to apprehend him.
This man I did not know followed so dangerous an oc-
cupation ; but one evening, when my cash was nearly
exhausted, I met him at a well known house in Covent
Garden, known by the name of the Finish ; being out of
spirits, he questioned me as to the cause ; I told him, I
had lived so freely since I came on shore, that my cash
was quite exhausted, and I was racking my imagination
to get a fresh supply. He clapped his hand on my
shoulder and exclaimed, " D n it, my fine fellow,
I'll put you up to the best way in the world to get the
supply you stand in need of ;" — we left the house, and
while walking, he proposed I should join him, on an
excursion to take a purse on the road ; and observing my
sailor's habit was not calculated to the occasion, furnished
me with money to buy Buckskin small clothes, &c. neces-
sary for the purpose. The road we were to take was not
settled, but our meeting was fixed for the next night;
I got the Buckskin small clothes at Ford's, in the Strand,
and a pair of boots from Newcoinb, in Pall Mall. At
the hour appointed, I met Haines at a livery stable be-
hind the New Church in the Strand, and found him in
company with six more persons, all of whom 1 under-
stood had met on the same business, though intending
to take different roads ; 1 was to accompany Haines, who
furnished me with a pair of pistols, which he told me
E K 2 cost
220 MADE AN ODD-FELLOW.
cost three guineas ; when everything was ready for our
departure, a sudden recollection of the danger and dis-
honour of this undertaking, providentially came to my
aid ; and I informed Haines how very reluctant I was to
break an engagement, or my word in any particular, yet
when I considered the consequence of the business in
hand, I could not think of accompanying him, however
far I had gone on the occasion ; at the same time re-
marked, it was not the danger of the enterprise I dreaded,
but the certain shame attached to a dishonourable ac-
tion ; the principles of a state of warfare I should not
mind, but never deliberately would act the part of a Pirate.
He endeavoured to divert my resolution, and seemed
very mad and inclined to quarrel, which I think was
only stopped, by a knowledge of the situation he stood
in ; I left the place congratulating myself on so narrow
an escape, without further opposition ; though I saw
Haines afterwards, he never took the least notice of the
affair, and I took care for the future what company I got
connected with."
" About the time of my working at Mr. Loyer's, I got
acquainted in my male dress, with a person that in-
formed me he was Vice-grand at a Lodge of Odd Fellows,
held at the Harlequin, near the stage door of Drury
Lane Theatre ; this person discovering in me, a convivi-
ality, agreeable to such an undertaking, proposed my
becoming one of their members ; and as there was a
meeting of their Lodge that evening, he said he would
propose me as a new member, I readily accepting his
offer, we adjourned to the place, where I went through
the whole of the forms used on such occasion, and be-
came a free member of the society of Odd Fellows,
Lodge 21. Neither the person who introduced me, nor
any of the members knowing my sex. It is the boast of
masonry, that they never had more than one female be-
longing
LANDS ON THE MUSQUITO SHORE. 221
longing to their institution (namely Queen Elizabeth;) and
I think I may fairly challenge any lodge of Odd Fellows,
to produce another female member: it being generally
thought, there is not a female in England (myself excepted)
belonging to this society.
" I omitted to relate while on board the Crown trans-
port, Captain Bishop ; on our voyage to St. Domingo
after the storm we sufiPered in, for want of provisions and
water, we put in for repairs, up the windward passage,
on the Musquito shore, and on one of the islands that
distinguish (he place, this boatswain and part of the
ship's company, seven in number, of which I was one,
went on shore to forage, and perceiving a bear, which
the boatswain said was of the Hyena kind, approaching
us in a retrograde position, he fired at it when near us,
and killed it; having been so long kept on scanty allow-
ance, we immediately opened our prize, and took out
the heart, for fresh provision, the hams we conveyed on
board, and committed them to the pickle tub for curing ;
before quitting the island, we proceeded farther on the
search after water, and fell in with a party of the barba-
rous natives, who make a practice of scalping the unfor-
tunate victims that fall into their hands; these people
approaching us in a menacing manner, we fired on them,
and killed one, on which the remainder fled with preci-
pitation towards the sea ; on coming up to the dead man,
we found he was naked, except a whisp round his body,
like a hay-band, his hair was long, black, and strong as
horse-hair, and in height about six feet, and proportion-
ably lusty; he was armed with a tomahawk, or scalping
hatchet, with which every one of his companions that
fled were each furnished, and no more clad than their
deceased friend. These weapons hung dangling to their
hay-band like girdles, which we observed from some
of
222 ATTENDS THE PROCESSION TO ST. PAUL's.
of the party not having taken them in their hand for use ;
these people were of a tawny complexion.
" At the time of my employ by Mr. Loyer, I put on my
seaman's dress and accompanied the procession, when
their Majesties went to St. Paul's, and the different co-
lours of the enemy, went to be hung up in St. Paul's
Church, as trophies of the victories obtained over their
enemies by Howe, St. Vincent, and Duncan ; I made part
of Lord Howe's attendants with his colours, and rode on
the car, the chains of the bracelets her Majesty wore
on the occasion were made by me, at Mr. Loyer's, by
order from Messrs. Gray and Constable, jewellers of Sack-
ville Street, Picadilly.
" It was my intention, to insert the whole of the letters
and family papers relative to my adventures, but have
been deprived giving any at present, by an unforeseen
accident, but shall be published in this work, as soon as
ever recovered. The ensuing statement being the only
cause of delay, will, I trust, be a sufficient excuse to every
candid reader, by the difficulties I labour under; no other
cause would have delayecl their publication.
" Soon after I quitted Newgate my troubles began again ;
a Mr. E — , not far from Pump Court in the Temple, em-
ployed me to wash, mend, &c. he becoming indebted
to me thirty-eight pounds for that, and money, I had
pledged my wearing apparel to lend him, though I have
reason to think he is a man of property, I was under the
necessity of arresting him to recover the same. I had
received five pounds, and a letter from him at the same
time, saying, " he would settle with me honourably ;'' not
keeping his word was the cause of the arrest, and being
at this time in the greatest distress through his proceed-
ings, and the want of money and clothes, I took lodgings
at the house of Mr. Joseph Bradley, No. 19, Little St.
Mary-
DEPRITED OF MY PAPERS. 223
Mary-le-bone Street, who is butler, and has been for
many years to a gentleman in Gloucester Place, Hyde
Park Corner : being in arrear for one week's rent, five
shillings and sixpence, Mrs. Bradley, his wife, stopped
not only my trunk, containing the whole of my letters
and papers, but some needle-work I had to do for ano-
ther person, which had she suffered me to carry home,
would have nearly paid her demand ; I summoned her
for the work to Marlborough Street, but the Magistrate
saying, they had a right to stop all they could lay their
hands on, I was advised to arrest Mr. Bradley in an ac-
tion of trover, as being deprived of the work, which
they still hold, with my family letters and papers, which
would have proved my debt against Mr. E ; this
advice I followed, and Mr. Bradley was arrested. In the
mean time, Mr. E took the opportunity of entering
a non pros to my action ; by not having it in my power
to produce the papers necessary to prove the debt, which
will compel me to enter a fresh process against him, as
soon as I can recover my papers, when his must appear.
"I employed Mr. Worley, an attorney at No. 25, in
Well's Street, Oxford Road, who directly sued out a writ
against Bradley, which by some means was not served
on him that term ; before the next, he was arrested at
my suit, and gave bail to Mr. Weekly the officer, for his
appearance, which was entered at the commencement of
the term, in order to go to trial ; my attorney, Mr. Wor-
ley, on whom I called several times, informed me, he
would let me know, when I should be wanted to attend,
and in the mean time said, if I would procure two pounds,
he would establish me as a pauper, that I might proceed,
without a necessity for more money. The above sum a
gentleman advanced me for the purpose Mr. Worley had
asked it, and on my paying it into his hands, said, he
would immediately proceed in the cause, and told me it
would
224 UNCERTAINTY OF THK LAW.
would come on, the present term. The money I gave
him on Wednesday, April 11th, 1804, and called by his
appointment on Friday the 13th ; not seeing him, I called
the next day with no better success ; as he told me it
certainly would come on the present term, I became
extremely anxious to see him, and called on Monday
the 16th, still I could not meet with him, and continued
till twelve o'clock at night in the neighbourhood, calling
at his house four times during that period ; the only
answer I could get, veas, he had not been at home that
day ; the next morning, April the 17th, I called and saw
him, when he told me my action had suffered a non-pros
on the 7th of March, though I have repeatedly seen him
before and since that time, he never informed me of the
circumstance till that moment, by which I was deprived
going to trial ; greatly shocked and disappointed, I told
him, I should inform the gentleman from whom I had re-
ceived the money, the whole of the transaction ; on which
he waited on Mr. Worley, and was informed, the money I
had given him, he had carried to my account. Thus situ-
ated, with only part of my letters in my own possession, it
is out of ray power to give them at present, but having
the promise of a friend to see me righted, Mr. Bradley,
unless inclined to give my papers up, must be served with
another process to compel him.
" Nothing but troubles and misfortunes for the two last
years of my life, having occurred, and followed me, step
by step, I have only to apologize to my readers, for any
deviation from the paths of propriety, which only to
ray feelings, could have happened by the greatest neces-
sity, and the deepest distress, and I trust I shall gain their
pity, rather than censure, when I assert, had I been
brought up in a workhouse, or any other situation to
have gained my bread in the most humble manner, I
should have preferred it, to the number of misfortunes
and
AN ASTHMA CURED BY A MUSKET BALL. 225
and difficulties, I have been doomed to encounter, as my
wounds and other afflictions have rendered me incapable
of almost every exertion to get a livelihood.
Having described as minutely as possible, the leading
circumstances of my adventures, I submit the vrhole to
the decision of my readers, with a solemn assurance, that
in no particular have I advanced any thing but matters
of fact ; which, if they should in any way serve as a
lesson to future guardians and those under their care, in
avoiding the troubles I have experienced, will answer one
end to which they were made public by their unfortunate
sufferer,
Mary Ann Talbot.
ERRATA.
For «' Lord Talbot," read, " Earl Talbot," created 1761 ,
For " Mr. Shuker," read " Sucker."
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sir,
I inclose for insertion, (if deemed wortby of place) in your truly original Mu-
seum, a few articles for your approbation ; in selecting any of which suited
to your publication, you will gratify the endeavours of your occasional
correspondent,
April, 1804. A.
A VIOLENT ASTHMA CURED BY A MUSKET BALL.
W illiam Masters, Esq., who died in March, 1799,
was a Colonel under the old Duke of Cumberland ; and
in one of the engagements was shot through the lungs by
a musket-ball, which entirely cured him of a violent asth-
ma.—The Duke used to say, when any of his officers la-
boured under that disorder, that they must get shot through
the lungs like Masters.
Vol. II. F F a shep-
( 226 )
A SHEPHERD'S BOY HANGED BY HIS WHIP.
Xn November 1798, as John Clench, a Sheep-boy to Mr.
Frost, of Kelvendon, Essex, was descending from a tree
in which he had climbed to cut a branch in order to stop
a gap, his whip which he, in his accustomed manner, had
slung round his neck when within six inches of the ground
caught between the boughs, and suspended him. In this
manner he was found hanging and quite dead.
A BOY HANGED IN A TOWEL.
An July, 1798, as the servant-boy of the Rev. John Prior,
at Ashby de la Zouch was wiping himself with a rolled
towel in the back kitchen, he unfortunately slipped down
a step, by which means his neck became so much entan-
gled in the towel, that it was immediately dislocated ; and
he was soon after discovered by the family entirely life-
less— proper means were instantly used to recover him,
but without effect.
A WOMAN DELIVERED OF SIX CHILDREN.
I
N January, 1798, the wife of Pierre Francois Duissans,
in the Commune of Verchocq, I'Department du pas de
Calais, was delivered, before she had gone her full time,
of six children, three boys and three girls ; they were all
alive at the time of their birth, but died soon after.
A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY OF THE SKELETON OF A MAN
IN A TREE.
X HE beginning of April, 1804, as some boys were seek-
ing after owls for their amusement, they discovered at the
bottom of a hollow tree, in the parish of Blockley, in
Worcestershire, close by the side of a brook which divides
the counties of Worcester and Gloucester, the entire ske-
leton of apparently a stout and tall man, the skull being
very
ATROCIOUS MURDERERS.
227
very large, and the leg and thigh bones of great length ;
in the shoes (which were in a dry and hard state,) were
found the bones of the toes, and the nails in tlie shoes
were so decayed, as on being touched, to fall off, and
with the fingers were easily pulverised. It is difficult to
conjecture how the body came there ; but from the ap-
pearance of the tree and other circumstances, the proba-
bility seems to be, that the deceased secreted himself in
the tree, which is hollow from the top to the bottom, from
whence he could not afterwards extricate himself; and as
the shoe of the right foot was considerably turned up, and
retained strong marks of the pressure of the buckle, it
may be inferred from thence, that efforts had been made
by the unfortunate man to release himself from so deplo-
rable a situation.
ATROCIOUS MURDERERS.
N.
OTWiTHSTANDiNG the boastcd accuracy of the French
police, enormities of almost every description are daily
and hourly committed in the neighbourhood of their
commissaries, with impunity. Before the revolution in
that country, it is a fact well established, — that never a
street robbery was committed in Paris, but it was ac-
companied by a murder ; that the practice is not dis-
continued under the all-wise administration of Buona-
parte, we may readily conjecture by the recent informa-
tion of the following shocking relation :
On the 6th of March, 1804, a gentleman was accosted
in the street St. Martin, at Paris, by a beautiful little
girl, about six years of age. She was covered witii rags,
and told him, that her mother was dying of want in the
fifth floor of a house in the same street, and that for her-
self, she had not ate a morsel for forty-eight hours.
Touched with compassion, the gentleman said he would
follow her home, and if he found her story true, relieve
F F 2 her
228 ATROCIOUS MURDERERS.
her and her mother. — On entering the room, he saw a
woman laying on a bed laid on straw, instead of a mat-
trass. Her looks and voice seemed to confirm the story
of the child. In taking his purse from his pocket, it fell
down by accident on the floor ; stooping to take it up,
he saw clearly a man under the bed. Alarmed, but
without losing his presence of mind, he said — " Good
woman, here are four crowns ; I have no more about
me ; but let your child accompany me home, I will give
her twenty more." Instead of returning to his lodgings,
he took the child to a police commissary ; where, after
some examination, she acknowledged, that the person
under the bed was her father, and that, within the last
fortnight, during which they had lodged in the street St.
Martin, six persons had been stabbed by him, plundered
and stripped ; that two corpses had been carried out by
him after dark, some nights before, and thrown into the
river; but that four corpses yet remained in the closet
behind the bed. — The police commissary, with the gentle-
men, and some gens-d'armes, went immediately to the
house, but they found nothing but the four corpses in
the closet. The man and woman were gone, and have
not yet been heard of. — In consequence of the discovery
made by the child, six former lodgings of this cruel
couple have been traced, where, according to her report,
and several other circumstances within the knowledge of
the police, during the last winter, no less than twenty-two
persons of both sexes, are supposed to have been mur-
dered by them. It was the custom of the woman, as
from gratitude, to take hold of her benefactor's hands,
and draw them to her lips as she lay in bed, when the
man stole behind, and stabbed them through their backs.
— Mad. Murat has taken the child under her protection,
and pays for her education.
A n
A
( 229 )
An extraordinary Movement of the Earth, near Colehrooh,
in Shropshire.
MOST remarkable incident happened near Colebrook,
On Thursday morning, Ma}' 27, 1773, about four o'clock.
About 4000 yards from the river Severn stood a house,
where a family dwelt ; the man got up about three o'clock,
and heard a rumbling noise, and felt the ground shake
under him ; on which he called up his family. They
perceived the ground begin to move, but knew not which
way to run ; however, the people took to their heels, and
just as they had got to an adjacent wood, the ground they
had left separated from that on which they stood. They
first observed a small crack in the ground about four or
five inches wide, and a field that was sown with oats to
heave up and roll about like waves of water ; the trees
moved as if blown Avith wind, but the air was calm and
serene ; the river Severn (in which at that time was a con-
siderable flood) was agitated very much, and the current
seemed to run upwaids- They perceived a great crack
run very quick up the ground from the river. Immedi-
ately about 30 acres of land, with the edges and trees
standing (except a few that were overturned), moved
with great force and swiftness towards the Severn, attended
with great and uncommon noise, compared to a large
flock of sheep running swiftly. That part of the land
next the river was a small wood, under two acres, in
which grew twenty large oaks ; a few of them were thrown
down, and as many more were undermined and overturn-
ed ; some left leaning, the rest upright, as if never dis-
turbed. The wood was pushed with such velocity into
the channel of the Severn (which at that time was remark-
ably deep) that it Torced the water in great columns a
considerable height, like mighty fountains, and drove
the bed of the river before it on the opposite shore many
feet
230 THE THREE BRETHREN OAK-TREE, &C.
feet above the surface of the water, where it lodged, as
did one side of the wood ; the current being instantly
stopped, occasioned a great inundation above, and so
sudden a fall below, that many fish were left on dry land,
and several barges were heeled over, and when the stream
came down, were sunk, but none were damaged above.
The river soon took its course over a large meadow that
was opposite the small wood, and in three days wore a
navigable channel through the meadow. A turnpike
road was moved more than thirty yards from its former
situation, and to all appearance rendered for ever impas-
sable. A barn was carried about the same distance, and
left as a heap of rubbish in a large chasm ; the house re-
ceived but little damage. A hedge which was joined to
the garden, was removed about 50 yards. A great part
of the land was in confused heaps, full of cracks from
four inches to more than a yard wide. Several very long
and deep chasms were formed in the upper part of the
land, from 14 to upwards of 30 yards wide, in which
were many pyramids of earth standing, with the green
turf remaining on the tops of some of them. Hollows
were raised into mounts, and mounts reduced into hol-
lows. Less than a quarter of an hour completed this
dreadful scene.
THE THREE BRETHREN OAK-TREE.
Standing in Whinfield Forest, in the County of West-
morland.
X HE above appellation, by which this singular Tree is
so eminently distinguished from among its neighbours
in the forest, is from the circumstance of its affinity with
two neighbouring trees, of considerable magnitude which
grew near it, but by no means comparable to this in
height and dimensions; for the drawing and description
of this wonderful work of nature, we are indebted for
the
i
'^y/t/ /h'j/r/r/'//f/^Jmr/r ( 'f/A'
{>iU>
in Whinfipld Forreft.
PaimAriil yr JiV-i /ir 'l .<Sin- /if/i./.- 1 /■'.•/»/#}«/..'< / •. . //
THE THREE BRETHREN OAK-TREE, &C. 231
the information to Mr. William Todd, of Moor-houses,
in the aforesaid county.
Whinfield Forest is the property of the Earls of Thanet.
This most surprising large oak tree, as represented in
our plate, has stood in this forest near two hundred and
seventy years, by the nearest computation of the neigh-
bouring inhabitants in that country; it is supposed to
have derived its name from three other trees which for-
merly stood near this place, which being all of so won-
derful a size, and nearly resembling one another, were
therefore called the Three Brethren Trees. — The circum-
ference of this (which is supposed the most wonderful of
the three) measures 14 yards, or 42 feet, being nearly
of this thickness to the height of 15 feet from the
root, from thence to the branches it diminishes propor-
tionably ; as to the true height thereof it is a little un-
certain to account for, especially as the top part, (to-
gether with most of the principal branches) have been
broke off many years ; but to the nearest estimation
possible, according to my observation, it appears to be
at least 50 feet, or nearly; as to the circumference at the
top (as it now remains) it may, in respect to that propor-
tion, be supposed to have been 10 feet higher, exclusive
of the several tall branches, which consequently have
been thereto belonging. — Thus it appears that the true
height, as near as possible, may be said to have been
60 feet in solid timber, which in respect to so wonderful
a thickness is also equally admirable. — The spreading or
side branches are also mostly decayed and broken off,
yet what is very surprising of those which remain (al-
though but stumps) there is one which is observed at the
Spring season to shoot forth and bear leaves.— If it
were possible an acorn of this most wonderful tree could
be produced, it certainly would deserve a place in the
British Museum, and might equally be admired as a cu-
riosity
232 THE THREE BRETHREN OAK-TREE, &C.
riosity not the least inferior to any one contained therein.
— Having thus particularly described the outside situa-
tion of this famous tree, I shall without doubt more
surprize the reader in giving the inside description ;
and, as near reality as possible, is as follows : — On the
north-east side, next that of Temple Sowerby, is a large
entrance cut and broke out, in form of a door-way,
where people either walk in on foot, or ride in on horse-
back, which, though however impossible this may appear
in respect to a ti-ee, the truth of it is well known to those
persons who have had the curiosity to behold it, several of
which are now in London, and other parts of England, &c.
As to the inward prospect, it is rather dismal than other-
wise, representing, as it were, part of some ruinous castle
or ancient tower, being so much inwardly decayed as even
reduced almost to a shell ; near the top, in the cavities
within, are several of those animals called bats, and the
martins resort also thither in great numbers; the lower
part is most wonderfully spacious, and will easily admit,
as before observed, of a horse and man therein to turn
about at pleasure ; it is also a very convenient receptacle
for the deer in stormy weather, which in this forest are
many in number, and esteemed not inferior to any in
England. — Thus have I given both the true and original
description of this most wonderful Three Brethren Tree,
which has so many years been the admiration of the
Northern inhabitants, even for several former generations.
Adjoining to the west side of this forest is Clifton- Moor,
on which place his royal highness the Duke of Cumber-
land most gloriously defeated the rebel arm}', in the year
1746, restored an universal peace throughout the coun-
try ; and seated the Brunswick family in security on the
throne, which we trust they will hold to the end of
time.
THE
233
THE ANCIENT CRIES OF LONDON;
Or the common daily cries in and about the Metropolis.
XN the reign of Charles the Second, almost every article
of life and use, were carried about the streets of London,
by itinerant venders, vrho accompanied each article they
sold with a peculiar cry : this set of people attracted the
attention of Marcellus Laroon, an eminent painter of
that time, who made nearly one hundred fine drawings,
which were engraved and published by Pierce Tempest,
and the following descriptive poem, was doubtless made
by a wit of the time to accompany them ; though inserted
in another work, which is now equally scarce with the
cries themselves, a set of which has lately been sold for
seven guineas : —
We daily cryes, about the streets may hear
According to the season of the year,
Some Welfleet oysters call, others do cry
Fine Chelsea cockles, or white muscles buy ;
Great Mackrel, five a groat some cry about,
Dainty fresh salmon, does another shout;
Buy my fine dish of dainty eels cryes one
Some soles and flounders in another tone ;
Butter and eggs some cry, some Hampshire honey,
Others do call for brass or broken money.
Have ye any old suits, or coats or hats,
Another says como buy my dainty sprats.
Box, or horn combs of ivory, or sissers,
Tobacco-boxes, knives, rasors, or twissers :
Who buys my bak'd oxe-cheek, here in my pot
Plump, fresh and fat, well stew'd and piping hot ;
Dy'd lin for aprons, vinegar some cryes.
Some hot bak'd wardens, others puddin pyes :
Vol. IL o g Buy
234 THE ANTIENT CRIE9 OF LQWDON.
Buy a Jack line or an hair line, cryes some,
New books, new books, then doth another come ;
French beans and parsley, some cry, if ye mind.
And others, have ye any knives to grind ;
Some ropes of onions, cry about the town,
Some pepins, and pearmains up street and down.
Hot codlins, hot, the best that e'er you see
Who buys these dainty hot codlins of me ;
Turneps and Sandwich carrots, one man calls,
Green bastings in my cart, another brawls ;
Come buy a steel, or a tinder box, cryes some.
Old boots or shoes, says one, come buy my broom.
Maids ha'ye any kitchen stuff, I pray.
Buy long thread laces does another say ;
New almanacks some cry, at th' times o'the' year,
Then others singing ballads you may hear ;
Some carry painted-clothes, on little poles,
By which it's known that such men do catch moles,
Others in clothes, well painted rats hava aiilj,
Which notifies rat-catching is their trade :
Have ye any work for a cooper here,
Old brass to mend, then tincles one in th' rear ;
Some nettle cheeses cry, and some new milk.
Others sattin and velvet, or old silk.
Then ends of gold or silver, cryes a lass.
Another curds and cream, as she does pass ;
With traps for rats and mice, do some appear.
Two hundred a penny, card matches here ;
Ripe cherries, ripe, come buy my early cherries,
Who buys my currans or large ripe goose-berries,
A rubbing brush, a bottle brush, or grater.
Fine sparrow-grass, then cryes another creature ;
Here's dainty cowcumbers, who buys to pickle,
Another then with colly-flowers does stickle.
Ripe
THE ANCIENT CRIES OF LONDON. 235
Ripe rass-berries about, does some then sing,
Fine young straw-berries does another bring;
Fresh nettle-tops, or elder-buds, come buy,
Then water cresses and brook-lime, they cry.
Any old iron here to sell, cryes one.
And some maids ha' ye any marrow bone ;
Ripe Muske mellons, or apricots, some cry,
Fine civil oranges or lemmons buy.
Old chairsto mend, then cryes a ragged fellow,
Come buy a door matt does another bellow;
Buy a cock or a gelding does one come,
Come buy my dainty singing bird says some,
Some dainty fine holly and ivy sayes,
Then curious fine rosemary and bayes.
Some pens and ink would sell to all they meet,
And others small coal cry about the street ;
Pity the poor prisoners, some with baskets go,
And others cry come see my rara show :
Anon, a poor wretch comes crying behind,
With dog and bell pray pity the poor blind ;
Who buys these figgs and raisins, new of mine,
Come buy my bowl of wheat, fine oatcakes, fine :
Hot mutton pyes, cryes one along the street,
Who buys my mutton pyes, fresh, hot, and sweet;
Buy marking stone one cryes, with's smutty face.
Another says come buy my fine bone lace;
Buy a cloth or thrum mop, you maids and lasses,
Another cryes who buyes my drinking glasses.
A lattice for a window, who will buy,
Great faggots, five for sixpence does some cry ;
Have ye any old glass for to renew.
Some cry bellows to mend, or bowls to sew;
Some silk or ferrit ribbon for shoe strings.
With London pins, and tape, and other things,
G G 2 Have
236 MASANIELLO, THE EISHERjMAN OF NAPLES.
Have ye any corns upon your feet or toes,
Buy a fox-tail, or whiske, another goes ;
Some walk about, and old silk stockings cry,
Some ask if socks, or quilted caps you'l buy;
And thus they trot about and bawl each day,
For the love they bear Lady Pecunia,
For her they'l sit up late, and early rise,
She does appear so glorious in their eyes :
Think all pains well bestow'd, nothing too much,
Their zealous dotage to this idol's such.
Money's the only she, all men admire,
Both poor and rich this lady do desire ;
And those that her do want, they are forlorn,
If she's not there, they're every fellow's scorn ;
We may conclude, when we've said what we can,
Tis money at all limes, does make a man.
THOMAS ANELLO,
Commonly called Masaniello, the Fisherman of Naples.
v_/F therevolutions in countries and empires, few have
claimed more interest or excited so much attention, as
those in Naples and England, which took place, the first
in 1647, at Naples, by a poor fisherman, and in England,
by a set of fanatics, the head of whom was Oliver Crom-
well, in the year 1648. When this grand dissembler, by
a mock trial, brought his Sovereign's head to the block,
very different causes served in either country to foment
rebellion : in Naples, it was brought about through the
great burthens and oppressions of the people ; in our own
country by a dispute as to the mode of worship in our
churches, which the Puritans imagined, favoured too
much of Popery, particularly as the altar was removed
a little before this time, from the middle of the church
to the east end, and in some cases, more richly ornament-
ed
)J(>J/Uf>U> , ^//l///f>
( ciniui'nlu itillcd
CC IJajstuuc/lo Tislicrman of Naples.
MA9ANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES. 237
ed than agreeable to this description of people. Archbi-
shop Laud, on the contrary, as strongly opposed their
desires, and caused some to be severely censured in the
star chamber, whereby Prynne, Burton, Bastwick and
Leighton lost their ears in the pillory, and were fined in
an amount equal to imprisonment for life: this severity
drew on Laud a number of enemies, which ended in the
loss of his head, and was in a few years after followed by
that of his royal master.
But if these transactions filled the mind with horror,
how much more so does the depredations and murders
daily and hourly committed in France, excite our sur-
prize and indignation : for not content with the blood-
shed of their own country, the revolutionary principles
extend to that of others ; thus Germany, Holland, Swit-
zerland, Italy and Egypt sufficiently testify : and when
driven with dismay and disgrace from the latter country
by the valour of the British forces, like the description of
vermin, who for want of other food prey on themselves,
have invented sham plots and diabolical measures, to gra-
tify the sanguinary appetite of a carnivorous usurper
and tyrant, whose despotism we cannot but think will be
of but short duration. For intoxicated by power, like
the unfortunate Masaniello, (a much less censurable cha-
racter) he will not be content till his extravagant fancy
draws a similar fate on his devoted head.
Thomas Anello, by construction called Masaniello,
was born in the year 1623, and at the time he attracted
thenoticeand conversation of the world, was about twen-
ty-four years of age: this man dwelt in the corner of the
great market-place at Naples : and it strangely happened,
that under one of his windows were fixed the arms, and
the name of Charles V. of a very ancient standing. This
monarch had granted a charter of privileges to the people
of
236 MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES.
of Naples, which had of late been much violated. Ma-
saniello was stout, of a good countenance, and a middle
stature ; he wore linen slops, a blue waistcoat, and went
barefoot, with a mariner's cap. His profession was to
angle for small fish, with a cane, hook and line ; as also
to buy fish and to retail them. This man having observed
the murmurings up and down the city, went one day very
angry towards his house, and met wuth the famous Ban-
ditto Perrone and his companion, as he passed by a church
where they had fled for refuge. They asked him what
ailed him ? he answered in great wrath, " I will be bound
to be hanged, but I will right this city!'' — They laughed
at his words, saying, " a proper 'squire to right the city
of Naples!" Masaniello replied, "Do not laugh: I
swear by G — d, if I had two or three of my humour, you
should see what I would do — will you join with me V they
answered, " yes :" " plight me then your faith ;" which
they having done, he departed. A little after, he fell
into a gi'eat passion ; for some of the officers of the cus-
toms having met his wife carrying a small quantity of
contraband flour in her apron, they laid hold on her, and
carried her to prison, nor would set her at liberty, till
Masaniello had sold the whole of his fish and property
to pay a fine of a hundred ducats which was the price
they had set on her freedom. He then resolved to make
use of the occasion of the murmurings of the people
against the tax on fruits, which particularly lay heavy on
the poorer sort, and went among the fruit shops that lay
in that quarter, advising them, that the next day they
should come all united to market, with a resolution to tell
the country fruiterers that they would buy no more taxed
fruit.
A number of boys used to assemble in the market-
place to pick up such fruit as fell. Masaniello got
among these, taught them some cries and clamours suit-
ed
MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES. 239
ed to his purpose, and enrolled such a number of them
between 16 and 17 years of age, that they came to 500,
and at last 5000. Of this Militia he made himself Gene-
ral, giving every one of them in their hands a little weak
cane. The shop-keepers observing his instructions,
there happened the next day a great tumult between them
and the fruiterers, which the regent of the city sent Ana-
clerio, the elect of the people, to quell. Among the fruit-
erers was a cousin of Masaniello's ; who, according to the
instructions given him, began more than any to inflame the
people. He saw that he could not sell his fruit, but at a
low price; which, when the tax was paid, would not quit
cost. He fell into a great rage, threw two large baskets
on the ground, and cried out, God gives plenty, and the
bad government a dearth ; I care not a straw for this
fruit, let every one take of it. The boys eagerly ran to
gather and eat the fruit. Masaniello rushed in among
them, crying. No tax! No tax! But Anaclerio threaten-
ing him with whipping and the gallies, not only the fruit-
erers, but all the people, threw figs, apples, and other
fruits with great fury in his face. Masaniello hit him on
the breast with a stone, and encouraged his Militia of
boys to do the same ; but Anaclerio saved his life by
flight.
Upon this success, the people flocked in great numbers
to the Market-place, exclaiming aloud against the into-
lerable grievances under which they groaned; and pro-
testing their resolution to submit no longer to them. The
fury still increasing, Masaniello leaped upon the highest
table that was among the fruiterers, and harangued the
crowd ; comparing himself to Moses, who delivered the
Egyptians from the rod of Pharaoh ; to Peter, who was a
fisherman as well as himself, yet rescued Rome and the
world from the slavery of Satan ; promising them a like
deliverance from their oppressors by his means, and pro-
testing
240 MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES.
testing his readiness to lay down his life in such a glorious
cause. Masaniello repeating often tliese and such-like
words, wonderfully inflamed the minds of the people, who
were disposed in their hearts to co-operate with him to
this purpose.
To begin the work, fire was put to the house next the
toll-house for fruit, both of which were burnt to the ground,
with all the books and accounts, goods and furniture.
This done, every one shut up his shop; and the numbers
increasing, many thousand people, uniting themselves,
went to other jjarts of the city, where all the other toll-
houses were : them they plundered of all their writings
and books, great quantities of money, with many rich
moveables ; all of which they threw into a great fire of
straw, and burnt to ashes in the streets. The people,
meeting with no resistance, assumed more boldness, and
made towards the palace of the Viceroy. The first Mili-
tia of Masaniello, consisting of 2000 boys, marched on,
every one lifting up his cane with a piece of black cloth
on the top, and with doleful and loud cries excited the
compassion, and intreated the assistance of their fellow-
citizens. Being come before the palace, they cried out
amain, that they would not be freed of the fruit-tax only,
but of all others, especially that of corn. At last they
entered the palace, and rifled it, notwithstanding the re-
sistance of the guards, whom they disarmed.
The Viceroy got into his coach to secure himself within
the church of St. Lewis ; but the people spying him,
stopped the coach, and with naked swords on each side of
it, threatened him, unless he would take off" the taxes. With
fair promises and assurance of redress, and by throw-
ing money among the multitude, which they were greedy
to pick up, he got at last safe into the Church, and
ordered the doors to be shut. The people applied to
the Prince of Bisagnano, who was much beloved by
them,
MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES. 241
them, to be their defender and intercessor. He pro-
mised to obtain what they desired ; but finding himself
unable, after much labour and fatigue, to restrain their
licentiousness or quell their fury, he took the first oppor-
tunity of disengaging himself from the labyrinth of that
popular tumult.
After the retirement of the prince, the people finding
themselves without a head, called out for Masauiello to
be their leader and conductor ; which charge he ac-
cepted. They appointed Genoino, a priest of approved
knowledge, temper, and abilities, to attend his person;
and to him they added, for a companion, tlie aforenamed
famous Banditto Perrone. Masaniello, by his spirit,
good sense, and bravery, won the hearts of all the people,
insomuch that they became willing to transfer unto him
solemnly the supreme command, and to obey him accord-
ingly.
A stage was erected in the middle of the market-place,
where, clothed in white, like a mariner, he with his
counsellors, gave public audience, received petition?,
and gave sentence in all cases both civil and criminal.
He had no less than 150,000 men under his command.
An incredible multitude of women also appeared wiiii
arms of various sorts, like so many Amazons. A list was
made of above 60 persons, who had farmed the taxes, or
been some way concerned in the custom-houses ; and,
as it was said, they had enriched themselves with the
blood of the people, and ought to be made exam])Ies to
future ages, an order was issued that their houses and
goods should be burnt; which was executed accord-
ingly, and with so much regularity, that no one was
suffered to carry away the smallest article. Many for
stealing but mere trifles from the flames were hanged by
the public executioner in the market-place, by the com-
mand of Masaniello.
Vol. II. H H
242 MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES.
Whilst these horrid tragedies were acting, the Viceroy
thought of every method to appease the people, and
bring them to an accommodation. He applied to the
Archbishop, of whose attachment to the government he
was well assured, and of whose paternal care and affec-
tion for them, the people had no doubt. He gave them
the original charter of Charles V. (which exempted them
from all taxes, and upon which they had all along in-
sisted) confirmed by lawful authority, and also an in-
lulgence or pardon for all offences whatsoever com-
mitted.
The bishop found means to induce Masaniello to con-
voke all the captains and chief commanders of the peo-
ple together ; and great hopes were conceived that an
happy accommodation would ensue. In the mean time,
500 banditti, all armed, on horseback, entered the city,
under pretence that they came for the service of the
people, but in reality to destroy Masaniello, as it appeared
afterwards; for they discharged several shots at him,
some of which narrowly missed him. This immediately
put a stop to the whole business, and it was suspected
that the Viceroy had some hand in this conspiracy. The
streets were immediately barricaded, and orders were
given, that the aqueduct leading to the castle, in which
were the Viceroy and family, and all the principal offi-
cers of state, should be cut off, and that no provision,
except some few roots and herbs should be carried thither.
The Viceroy applied again to the archbishop, to assure
the people of his good intentions towards them, his
abhorrence of the designs of the banditti, and his reso-
lution to use all his authority to bring them to due punish-
ment. Thus the treaty was again renewed, and soon
completed ; which being done, it was thought proper
that Masaniello should go to the palace to visit the
Viceroy. He gave orders that all the streets leading to
it
MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES, 243
it sLould be swept clean, and that all masters of families
should hang their windows and balconies with their
richest silks and tapestrys. He threw off his mariner's
habit, and dressed himself in cloth of silver, with a fine
plume of feathers in his hat; and, mounted upon a pranc-
ing steed, with a drawn sword in his hand ; he went
attended by 50,000 of the choicest of the people.
While he was in conference with the Viceroy in the
balcony, he gave him surprising proofs of the ready obe-
dience of the people ; whatever cry he gave out, it was
immediately echoed ; when he put his finger upon his
mouth there was a profound universal silence, that scarce
a man was seen to breathe. At last, he ordered that
they should all retire, which was punctually and pre-
sently obeyed, as if they had all vanished away. On
the Sunday following the capitulations were signed and
solemnly sworn to in the cathedral church, to be observed
for ever. Masaniello declared, that now having accom-
plished his honest designs, he would return again to his
former occupation. If he had kept this resolution, he
might justly have been reckoned one of the greatest heroes
that any age or country ever produced. But as it is di-
versely reported, either through the instigations of his
wife and kindred, through fear, or allured by the tasted
sweets of rule and power, he still continued his authority ;
and, what is worse, exercised it in a very capricious and
tyrannical manner, insomuch that his best friends began
to be afraid of him.
It has been thought something had been infused into
his drink, to deprive him of his senses, or, what is equally
probable, that he had drank to an excess, wholly to de-
prive hiui of reason ; but, whatever was the cause, he
certainly conducted himself at last, in a very improper
manner ; wantonly cutting and maiming every person
without distinction, galloping along the streets like a
H H £ maniac :
244 MASANIELLO, THE FISHERMAN OF NAPLES.
maniac : instead of being followed by the people, as
heretofore, every person avoided his presence ; and at
last, fatigued and exhausted, he took refuge in the church
of Carmine. The archbishop sent immediate notice
to the Viceroy, and Masaniello was in the mean time
taken care of by the religious of the church, and pro-
vided with refreshments, after the fatigue he had suffered
by his violent proceedings. Some gentlemen who thought
they should be doing the viceroy an acceptable office,
now entei'ed the church ; and as they passed through the
cloister cried out, long live the King of Spain, and let
none from henceforth, wpon pain of deatky ohey Masaniello.
The people did not oppose these gentlemen in their
search, but on the contrary made way for them ; and
th ey proceeded to the convent of the church, searching
and enquiring for Masaniello. This unhappy man,
hearing somebody call M;i?a;iiello, runs out to meet his
foes, saying, 7s it me you look for, my people ? Behold I am
here ; but all the answer he had was from four muskets, that
were fired upon him at one time, by Salvatone Cataneo,
Carlos Cataneo, Angelo Ardezone, and Andrea Rama.
He instantly dropped down upon the place, having but
just time to cry out. Ah! ungrateful traitors, he breathed
his last. Salvatone Cataneo then cut off his head, and
carried it directly to the Viceroy, to the terror of the
rabble; who, to the amount of eight or ten thousand, were
in the church and market-place; and far from avenging
the death of their captain-general, by that of his mur-
derers, they seemed satisfied and motionless ; and in
this occurrence gave a memoi'able instance of the incon-
stancy of the populace, whose attachment may be justly
compared to a broken reed, Mhich, whoever bears upon
is sure of falling. And no sooner was the breath out of
his bofiy, but his hi herto followers first procured tlie
body, and after his head, and dragged them through
evcrv
r.IANNEn OI' MAKING A NEW FREEMAN. 245
every kennel and gutter of the city, and finally threw
each into a separate ditch. But the day following, as
great a change again took place with respect to his
memory, his head and body were carefully sought after,
and when found, were washed free from the filth that had
defaced them ; and the most sumptuous funeral ever seen in
Naples was that of Masaniello, being followed to the
cathedral church by five hundred priests, and forty-
thousand other persons. The ensigns of the Spanish
monarchy lowered their banners as it passed ; and the
viceroy sent out a number of attendants with torches, when
it passed his palace, to attend the procession, and honor
him in death. The disturbance in Naples began July 7th
1647, and ended the 16th of the same month, the day
Masaniello was killed, after ruling nine days.
It may not be improper to remark, that about one
hundred years before, in the year 1547, a Masaniello put
himself at the head of a mob, on the introduction of the
inquisition at Naples, by Philip II. This Masaniello was
Captain of a banditti.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sin,
If the following s'mgular custom is thought worthy a place in your entertain-
ing publication, it will be the means of my endeavouring to furnish you
with similar articles.
Yours, &c.
S. D.
X HE manner of makiuij; anew freeman, of Alnwick, in
the county of Northumberland, is so remarkable and
ludicrous, that an able historian has preserved the story
from whence the custom is derived. This curious mode
of making a new freeman is practised in its full force to
^he pres.^nt time, and within a very few )'cars has been
complied witli. The history and form of it is as follows:
In
246 MANNKR 01' MAKING A NEW FREEMAN.
In the reign of King John, that monarch attempted to
ride across Ahiwick Moor, then called the forest of Aidon;
he fell with his horse into a bog or morass, where he
stuck so fast that he was with great difficulty pulled out
by some of his attendants.
The King, incensed against the inhabitants of that
town, for not keeping their roads over their moor in bet-
ter repair, or at least for not placing some post or mark
pointing out the particular spots which were impassable*
inserted in their charter both by way of memento and
punishment, that for the future all new created freemen
should on St. Mark's day pass on foot through that
morass, called the Freemen's well.
In obedience to this clause of their charter, when any
new freemen are to be made, a small rill of water which
passes through the morass is kept dammed up for a day
or two, previous to that on which this ciiremonial is to be
exhibited, by which means the bog becomes so thoroughly
liquified that a middle sized man is chin deep in mud
and water in passing over it, besides which, unlucky wags
frequently dig holes and trenches ; in these, filled up and
rendered invisible by the fluid mud, several freemen have
fallen down and been in great danger of sutfocation.
In short, in proportion as the new made freemen are more
or less popular, the passage is rendered more or less dif-
ficult ; at the best, however, it is scarcely preferable to
the punishment of the horse pond, inflicted by the mob on
a detected pick-pocket.
The day being come, the candidates, for they are
literally so, being dressed all in white, preceded by a
cavalcade, consisting of the Castle Bailiff, the four Cham-
Derlains, the freemen of the town, and a band of music,
repair to the scene of action. And on the word, or a
signal being given, they pass through the bog, each being
at liberty to use the method and pace, which to him shall
seem
REMARKABLE TRIAL. 247
seem best, some running, some going slow, and some at-
tempting to jump over suspected places, but all in their
turns, tumbling and wallowing, like porpoises at sea, or
hogs in the mire, to the great amusement of the populace,
who usually assemble in vast numbers on this occasion.
This scene being ovei*, the parties return to the town, and
endeavour to prevent by good cheer the ill effects of their
mornings exercise.
REMARKABLE TRIAL.
In the Court of Kings-Bench^ brought hy a Mrs. Booty,
against Captain Barnahy, to recover the sum if one
thousand pounds, as damages for the scandal of his
assertion, that he had seen her deceased husband, Mr,
Booty, a receiver, drove into Hell.
N this remarkable trial, witnesses were brought for-
ward, who proved the words to have been spoken by
Captain Barnaby, and afterwards by his wife ; the de-
fence set up was, that the defendant had spoke no more,
than had been seen by a number of persons, as well as
himself; to prove which, the journal books of three dif-
ferent ships were produced in court, and the following
passages recorded in each, submitted to the court and
jury by the defendant's council.
Teusday, l'2th May, 1687. — This day the weather
cameS. W. a little, about^three o'clock in the afternoon, and
about four, we anchored in Manson-road,and there found
in the road Captain Barnaby, Captain Bristow, and
Captain Brown, all of them bound for the island of Lis-
sara, to load.
Wednesday, 13th May. — This day, about ten o'clock
in the forenoon, I went on board of Captain Barnaby,
and about two o'clock in the afternoon, we weighed, and
sailed
248 REMARKABLE TRIAL.
sailed, all of us, for the island of Lissara, the wind was
W. N. W. and better weather.
Thursday, 14th of May. — About two o'clock we saw
the island of Lissara; and about seven we came to an
anchor off the said island, in twelve fathoms water, and
then we were at W. S. W.
Friday, 15th May. — We had the observation of Mr.
Booty this day, Captain Barnaby, Captain Bristow,
Captain Brown, I, and Mr. Ball, merchant, went on shore
in Captain Barnaby's boat, to shoot rabbits upon Strom-
boli ; and when we had done, we called all our men
together by us, and about half an hoar and fourteen
minutes after three in the afternoon, to our great sur-
prise, we all of us saw two men come running towards us
with such swiftness, that no living; man could run half so
fast as they did run; when all of us heard Captam Bar-
naby say, " Lord bless me, the foremost is old Booty,
my next door neighbour ; " but he said, he did not know
the other that run behind; he was in black clothes and
the foremost was in grey : then Captain Barnaby desired
all of us, to take an account of the time, and pen it down
in our pocket books, and when we got on board we wrote
it in our journals ; for we saw them into the flames of
fire, and there was a great noise, which greatly affrighted
us all ; for we none of us ever saw, or heard the like be-
fore. Captain Barnaby said, " he was certain it was old
Booty, which he saw running over Stromboli, and into the
flames of hell."
Then coming home to England, and lying at Graves-
end, Captain Barnaby's wife came on board the 6th day
of October, 1687 ; at which time Captain Barnaby, and
Captain Brown, sent for Captain Bristow, and Mr. Ball,
merchant, to congratulate with them : and after some dis-
course, Captain Barnaby's wife started up, and said,
" my
SOME ACCOtNt OF StROMBOLl. 249
" my dear, I will tell you some news, old Booty is dead ;'*
he directly made answer/' " we all of us saw hiui run
into hell !" Afterwards Captain Barnaby's wife told a
Gentleman of his acquaintance in Loudon, vshat her
husband had said ; and he went aud acquainted xMrs.
Booty of the whole affair : upon that Mri. Booty
arrested Captain Barnahy in a thousand pounds action ;
for what he had said of her husband ; Cap^ Barnaby gave
bail to it, and it came to n tri.-d in the Court of king's
Bench, and they had Mr. Booty's weanugapparei brought
into Court, and the Sexton of the Pixrish, and the people
that were with him when he died ; and they swore to the
time he died, and when he died; and we swore to our
journals, and it came to the same time within about tw<£'
minutes : ten of our men swore to the buttons on his
coat, and that they were covered with the same sort of
cloth his coat was made ; and so it proved.
The jury asked Mr, Spinks (whose hand writing in the
journal that happened to be read appeared) if he knew
Mr. Booty, he answered " I never saw him, till he ran
by me on the Burning Mountains."
Then the judge said, " Lord have mercy upon me, and
grant I may never see what you have seen ; one, two or
three may be mistaken, but thirty never can be mis-
taken."— So the widow lost her cause.
SOME ACCOUNT OF STROMBOLI, ONE OF TItE LlTAia
ISLANDS.
oTROMBOLI, the most northern of the Lipari Islands,
is a volcano, which rises in a conical foi:n, above the sur-
face of :he sea. On the east side, it has three or four
little craters ranged near each other, not at the summit^
but on the declivity, nearly at two thirds of its height.
It is inhabited, notwithstanding its tires ; but care is
taken to avoid the proximity of the crater ; which is yet
Vol. IL i x much
QSO NORTMtJMBEIlLANII
much to be feared. Of all the Volcanos recorded ill
history, Stromboli seems to be the only one that buryis
without ceasing, Etna and Vesuvius often lie quiet for
many months, and even years, without the least ap*
pearance of fire ; but Stromboli is ever at work, and, for
ages past, has been looked upon as the great lighthouse
of the Mediterranean sea.
EXTRACT FROM THE NORTHUMBERLAND HOUSEHOLD
BOOK.
The following curious Items, were preserved in a Manuscript Household
Book, kept by the Steward of the Northumberland Family, in the reign of
'Henry the Fourth : Dr. Percy, Chaplain to the late Duke of Northumberland,
superintended the printing of this singular book, of which a few copies
only were distributed among the friends of the family about twenty years
ago ; from one of which we have extracted the accounts, offcasts aud offer-
ings of that period;
JrlRSTE it is thoughte that Cranys muste be hadde nt
Cristynmas andc outher principalle feists for my lord's
owne meas so they be bought at x\jd pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, It is thoughte in-like-wiea
that Hearonsewis be boughtc for my lordes owne
meas so they be at xijd. th'e pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, Pledeschanks to be
boughte at principalle feists for my lords own meas after
jd. ob. the pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, Bitters for my lordc,
owne meas at principal feists, ande to be at x'ljd. a pece
io they be goode.
At principal Feists. — Item, Fessauntis for my lordes
owne meas, to be had at principalle feists, and to be at
xijf7. a pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, PtEis to be hadde for my
lordes owne meas at principal feists, ande atij(ia pece.
At
HOUSEHOLD BOOK. 251
At principal Feists.— Item, Siiolardis to be hadde for
my lords owne meas at principal feists, and to be at \jd.
a pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, Kirlewis to be hadde for
my lords owne meas at principal feitses, ande to be at
xijf/. a pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, Pacokks to be hadde for
my lordes owne meas at principal feistes, and at x'ljd. a
pece ; and no Payhennes to be bowght.
At principal Feists. — Item. Seepies for my lorde at
principal feists, ande noone onther tynie.
At principal Feists. — Item, Wegionnes for my lorde
at principal feistes, ande noone outher tyme, ande jd. ob.
the pece, excepte my lordes comandement be outherwis.
At principal Feists. — Item, Knottis for my lorde at
principalle feists, and noone outher tyme, ande at jd. a
pece, except my lords comaundement be otherwis.
At principal Feists. — Item, Dottreelis to be bought
for my lorde when they ar in seasonne, ande to be at a
penny a pece.
At principal Feists. — Item, Bustardes for my lordes
owne meas at principall feists, ande noon outher tyme
except my lords comaundement be otherwis.
Ai principal Feists. — Item, Tearnes for my lordes
owne meas oonclie at principalle feists, and noon outher
tyme aftir iiij a penny, excepte my lordes comaundement
be outherwis.
Extracts from the Northumberland Household-book con-
tinued, p. 331.
ALMANER of Rewardes Customable used Yerly by
my Lorde tobeYeven ande Paidcby his Lordischipe from
Michaelmas to Michaelmas yerely as it doiih appeire in
the Booke of his Lordshipe Foren Expences of every
Yere what Customable Payments they be that my Lorde
I i 2 usith
^5$ NORTHUMBERLANO
usith yerly ancle for what causes thej be Yeven ande wher-
forevery Some is paide ande for what consideracion as well
for Waiges and Fees paide owt yerely of his Lordes-
chippe CofFures ' as ' Rewardis Customable used yerly by
my Lorde at New Yers Day ande other tymes of the
Yere His Lordschipe ande my Ladies Offerings at prin-
cipal! Feists yerly accustomed Ande Rewards usede
Customable to be Yeven yerely to Strangers as Players
Mynstralls ande others as the Some of every Rewarde
particulerly With the Consderacion why ande wherefore
it is Yeven With the names of the Parsones to whom
the saide Rewards be Yeven more playnly hereafter fol-
owith ande apperith in this Booke Which be Ordynary
and Accustomable Payments by my Lorde usede Yerly if
the tyraes so requier.
All Maner of Offerings for my Lorde ande my
Lady ande my Lordis Childeren Customable used
yerly at Principall Feasts ande other Offeringe-
Dayes in the Yere as the Consideracion Whye
more playnly hereafter followith.
FuRST. My Lordis Offerringeaccustomede uponAlhallow
day yerely W^hen his Lordshippe is at home at the
Highe Mas jf he kepe Chapell xijc?.
Item. My Ladis Offerringe accustomede upon Alhal-
lowe-day yerely If sche offer at the Highe Masse if
my L'>rde kepe Chapell to be paid owt of my Lords
Coffures if sche be at my Lordis Fyndinge ande not ^t
hir owen viijc?.
Item, My Lordes Offeringe accustomed upon Cristyn-
mas-day yerely When his Lordshipe is at home at
the Highe Mas if he kepe Chapell x\]d.
Item. lVi\ Ladies Olferince upon Cristynmas-day yerly
at the Higlie Mas if my Lorde kepe Chapell to be
paide
HOUSEHOLD BOOK. 253
paide owt of my Lordis CoiFures if sche be at my
Lordis fyndynge ande not at her even v'njd.
Item. MyLordisOfteringeupon SayntStepbyns dayeWhen
his Lordschipp his at home a groit to bow at a Lawe
Mas in his closett iiije?.
Item. My Lordis Offeringe accustomede upon New-Yers-
day yerely When his Lordescip is at home at the High
Mas if he kepe Chapell x'ljd.
Item. My Ladies Offeringe accustomede upon New-
Yers-doy yerely at the High Mas if my Lorde kepe
Chapell to be paid owt of my Lordis Coffures if sche
be at my Lords fyndinge and not at hir owen — viijrf.
Item. My Lords Offeringe accustomede upon the xijth
Day yerely When his Lordschipe is at home At the
High Mas if he kepe Chapell-^ xijd.
Item. My Ladies Offeringe accustomed uppon the xijth
Day yerely at the High Mass if my Lorde kepe Cha-
pell to be paide owt of my Lords Coffures if sche be at
my Lordis fyndinge and not at hir owen — viijc?.
Item. My Lordis Offerynge accustomede upon Candil-
mas-Day ?yerely to be sett in his Lordschippis Candill
to offer at the High Mas when his Lordschipp is at
home V groits for the v joyes of our Lady — xxd.
Item. My Laidis Offerynge uppon Candilmae-daie yerely
to be sett in hir Candill to offer at the High Mas iij
groitts to be paid owt of my Lordis Coffures if sche be
at my Lordis fyndynge and not at hir owen — xijd.
Item. My Lorde useth and accomyth yerely upon Can-
dilmas-Day to caus to be Delyveride for the Offeringe
of my Lords Son and Hcire the Lorde Percy to be sett
in his Candill \jd, Ande for every of my Vongc Mas-
ters my Lords Yonge Sonnes to be sett in the Candills
afforethe Offeringe jd. for aithcr of them h\jd.
Item. My Lordis Offeringe accustomrd ycrly upon Saint
Blayes
254 NORTHUMBERLAND
Blayes Day to be sett in his Lordschippc Candill to
offer at Hye Mas if his Lordschyp kepe Chapell
iiij<^.
Item. My Laidis Offer Inge accustomedeyerely upon Saint
Blayes Day to be sett in hir Candill to offer at the Hye
Mass to be paid owt of my Lordis Coffures if sche be at
my Lordis fyndynge and not at hir owen iiijc?.
Item. My Lorde useth and accustomyth yerly upon Saynt
Blays Days to cause to be delyveride for the Offeryngc
of my Lordis Sone and Heire the Lorde Percy to sett in
his Candill jd. Ande for every of my Yonge Masters
my Lords Yonger Sonnes to sett in their Cand ills after
jd. for every of them for ther Offerings this said day
iijc?.
Item. My Lordis Offeringe accustomede uppon Goode-
Fridayyerely if his Lordschipp be at Home and kepe
Chapell when his Lordschipe crepith the Cros
iiijc?.
Item. My Ladis Offerringe accustomede yerely upon
Good Friday when she crepith the Crosse to be paide
owt of my Lordis Coffures if sche is at my Lordis fyn-
dinge and not at hir own iujd.
Item. My Lorde useth and accustomoth yerely when his
Lordschip is at home to cans to be delyveride for the
Offerrings of my Lordis Sonc and Heire the Lord Percy
upon the said Good Friday when he crepith the Crose
ijj. Ande for every of my Yonge Maisters my Lordis
Yonger Sonnes after j^, to every of them for ther Offer-
inges when they Crepe the Cros the said Good-Friday
iiijJ.
Item. My Lordis Offeringe accustomede yerely uppon
Ester-Evyn when his Lordshipp takyth his Rights
iujd.
Item. My Ladis Offeringe accustomede yerely upon Eslur-
Evyn
liOUSEHOLD BOOK. ^55
Evyn when hir Ladischipe taketh hir rights if sche be
at my Lords fyndynge and not at hir owen iiijc?.
Item. My Lorde usith and accustomyth yerly to caus to
be delyyerid to his Lordschippis Children that be of
Aige to take there Rights for them to offer upon Esters
^ Even after ijd. to every of them
Item. My Lorde usith and accustometh yerely to caus to
be delyvrede to every of his Lordschipps Wardis or
Hansman or anny other Yonge Gentilmen that be at
his Lordschipes fyndyinge Ande be of Aige to take ther
Rights after ijd. a pece to every such Parson
Item. My Lords Offerynge accustomede yerely upon
Ester-Day in the mornynge when his Lordshipe Cre-
pith the Cros after the Resurreccion if his Lordschippe
be at home and kepe ChapcU iiijrf.
Item. My Ladis Offering accustomede yerly upon Ester-
Daye in the mornynge when hir Ladyschip Crepith the
Cros after the Resurreccion to be paide owt of my Lor-
dis Coffures if she be at my Lordis findinge and not at
hir owen iiijc?.
Item. My Lord useth and accustomethe upon Ester-Day
in the mornynge to caus to be delyverid to my Lords
Eldest Son the Lord Percy and to every of my Yonge
Masters my Lords yonger Sones after jc?. to every of
them to offer when they Creep the Cross the said day
after the Resurreccion iijtZ.
Item. My Lords Offeringe accustomede upon Ester-Day
yerely when his Lordschip is at home at the High I^Ias
if my Lorde kepe Chapell xijc/.
Item. My Ladis Oflerenge accustoniide upon Estir-Day
yerely at the High Mas if my Lorde kepe Chapell to
be paid owt of ray Lords Coffures if she be at my Lords
fyndinge and not at hir owen viijf/.
Item. My Lorde usith and accustomyth upon Ester-Day
yerely when his Lordschip is at home if my Lorde
kepe
'Si56 NORTHUMBERLAND
Icepe Chapell to caus to be delyvered to my Lord?
Eldest Sone the Lord Percy ande to every of ray Yonge
Masters my Lords Yonger Sonnes After jd. every of
them for them to offer the said Ester-Day in the Cha-
pell at the Hye Mass njd.
Item. My Lordis Offirynge accustomede upon Saynt
George-Day yerly at the Hye Mas when his Lords-
chyppe is at home and kepith Saynt George Feast — xd.
Item. My Lordis Offerlnge accustomyde at the Mea of
Requiem uppon the morowe after Saynt George-Day
when his Lordschip is at home and kepith Saynt George
Feast which is accustomede ycrely to be don for the
Saullis of all the Knightes of th' Order of the Garter
Departede to the Mercy of God — iiijc?.
Item. My Lorde uselh and accustomyth when he is at
home ande kipith Dergen over Night and Mes of re-
quiem uppon the morowe my Lord his Father xij.
Month Mynde to offer at the Mas of Requiem — iiijc?.
Item. My Lorde usith and accustomyth yerely when his
Lordschiy is at home to caus to be delyvered to my
Lordis Eldest Sone and Heyre the Lorde Percy ande
to ever}'^ of my Yonge Masters my Lords Yonger Sons
after jd. to every of them for them to offer this said
daye at the said Mes of Requiem Done for my Lords
Father xij. Month Mynde — iijc?.
Item. My Lordis Ofl'erynge accustomed uppon the Assen-
cion-Day yerly when liis Lordeschip is at home at the
High Mas if he kepe Chapell — x'ljd.
Item. My Ladies Offeringe accustomede upon the Assen-
cion-Day yerly at the Hy Mas in the Chapell to be
paid owt of my Lordis Coffures if she be at my Lordis
fyndynge and not at hir owne — viijc?.
Item. My Lords Offeringe accustomede upon Whitson-
day yerely at the Hye Mas in the Chapell when his
Lordschip is at home — xijd.
A SINGULAR
( 257 )
A SINGULAR MURDER.
A Singular and Interesting relation of a Murder.
In the year ]f>13, a Mrs. Clarke, keeper of the Blue-Bell
Inn, opposite the Free School, in Leicester, was robbed
and murdered by her servant-maid and seven men. The
relation being singular and interesting, I shall give it as
told by Sir Roger Twisden, who had it from persons of
undoubted credit, who were not only inhabitants of
Leicester, but saw the murderers executed. " When
King Richard III. marched into Leicester, against Hen r\'.
Earl of Richmond, afterwards Henry VH. he lay at the
Blue Bear Inn, in the town of Leicester, where was left
a large wooden bedstead, gilded in some places ; which
after his defeat and death in the battle of Bosworth, was
left, either through haste, or as a thing of little value,
(the bedding being all taken from it) to the people of the
house ; thence-forward this old bedstead, which was
boarded at the bottom, (as the manner was in those days)
became a piece of standing furniture, and passed from
tenant to tenant with the inn.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth this house was kept
by one Mr. Clarke, who put a bed on this bedstead, which
his wife going to make hastily, and jumbling the bed-
stead a piece of gold dropped out. This excited the
woman's curiosity ; she narrowly examined this antique
piece of furniture, and finding it had a double bottom,
took off the uppermost with a chisel, upon which sire dis-
covered the space between them filled with gold ; part of
it coined by Richard HI, and the rest of it in earlier
times.
Mr. Clarke (her husband) concealed this piece of good
fortune, though by degrees, the effects of it made it
known, lor he became rich from a low condition, and in
the space of a feu years mayor of the town: and then
Vol. II. K k the
258 A bTNGULAR MURDEE.
the story of the bedstead came to be rumoured by the
servants. At his death 'he left his estate to his wife, who
still continued to keep the inn, though she was known to
be very rich ; wliich put some wicked persons upon en-
gaging the maid servant to assist in robbing her. These
folks, to the number of seven, lodged in the house, plun-
dered it, and carried off some ho^-se loads of valuable
things ; and yet left a considerable quantity of valuables
scattered about the floor. As for Mrs. Clarke herself, who
was very fat, she endeavoured to cry out for help, upon
which her maid thrust her lingers down her throat and
choakedher, for which fact she was burnt; and the seven
men, who were her accomplices, were hanged at Leicester
■jome time in the vear l6l3.
Particular account of Mr. Hastings, who lived at JVoocl-
lands in the year lG38 ; from an ancient manuscript
communicated bij,
May, lSo4, J. P.
JLN the year 1638 lived Hx. Hastings, by his qualit}^ son,
brother, and uncle, to'the Earls of Huntingdon. He was
peradventure an original in our age, or rather the copy
of our anticnt nobihtv, in huatins; and in warlike times.
He was low of stature, very strong and very active, of a
reddish flaxen hair ; his clothes always green cloth, and
never worth, when new, five pounds. His house was pt- r-
fectly of the old fashion, in the midst of a large park
well stocked with deer; and near the house was a rabbit
warren, to serve his kitchen; many fish ponds, great store
of wood and timber; a bowling green in it, long but
narrow, full of high ridges, it being never levelled since
it was plowed; they used round sand bowls, and it had a
banquctting house like a stand, also a large one built in u
tree. Ho kept all manner of sport hounds that run, buck,
fox.
PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF MR. HASTINGS. 2o!>
lox, hare^ otter^ and badger; aird hawks, long and short
winged. He had all sorts of nets for fish ; he had a walk
in the new forest;, in the parish of Christ Church. This
last supplied him with red deer, sea and river fish, and
indeed all his neighbours grounds and royalties were free
to him who bestowed all his time in these sports ; but what
he borrowed to caress his neiarhboursj wives, s,isters, or
daughters; there being not a woman in all his walks of
the degree of a ycomans wife or under, and under the
age of forty, but it was CMtremely her fault if he was not
acquainted with her. This made him very popular, alvvays
speaking kindly to the husband, brother, or father, who
was to be very welcome to his house whenever he came j
there he found beef, pudding, and small beer in great
plent}^ A house not so neatly kept as to shame him or
his dusty slaves, the great hall strewed with marrow
bones, full of hawks perches, hounds, spaniels, and tar-'
riers ; the upper part of the hall hung with the foxes
skins, of this and the last years killing; here and there a
pole-cat, intermixed game keepers, and hunter poles in
great abundance. The parlour was a large long room, as
properly furnished ; on a great hearth paved with brick,'
lay some small favourite- tarricrs, and the cJioiccst hounds
and spaniels; seldom but two of the great chairs had lit-
ters of young cats in them, which were not to be dis-
turbed, alw'ays three or four of these animals attended
liim at dinner, and a little whiU" louud stick of fourteen
inches long lying by his trencher, that he might defend
such meat as he had no mind to part with to them.
The windows, which were very large, served for places to'
lay his arrows, sling bows, and cross bows, and other such
like accoutrements. The corners of the room full of the
best chosen hunting and hawking poles; an ovster table
at the lower end, which wus in constant use twice a dav,
all the year round, for he never failed to eat oysters be-
K k 2 for«
2()0 PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF MR. HASTINGS.
fore dinner and supper through all the seasons; the
neighbouring town of Poole supplied him with them.
The upper "part of the room had two small tables and a
desk, on the one side of which was a chm-ch bible, on the
other the book of martyrs ; on the tables were haw^ks
heads, bells, and such like, two or three old green hats
with their crowns thrust in, so as to hold ten or a dozen-
eggs^ which were of a pleasant kind of poultry, of which'
he took much care and fed himself. Tables, dice boxes,
apd ca ds were not wanting ; in the hole of the desk
were store of tobacco pipes thai had been used. On one
side of this end of the room was the door of the closet,
wherein stood the strong beer and the wine, which never
came there but in single glasses, that being the rule of
the house exactly observed, for he never exceeded in drink
or pcraiitted it; on the other side was the door into an
old chapel not used for devotion. The pulpit, as the
safest place, was never wanting of a cold chine of beef
and venison pasty, gammon of bacon or great apple pye
with thick crust extremely baked j this table cost him not
iTjuch, though it was good to eat at, the sports supplied
almost all but beef and mutton, except Fridays, when he
had the best salt fish, as well as other fish he could get,
and was the day his neighbours of best quality most vi-
sited him. He never w^anted a London pudding, and
always sung it in, with the best eyes therein .; when he
drank a glass or two of wine, at meals very often S3Tup
of gilly-flpwers in his sack^ and had always a tall glass
w-ithout feet standing by him, hol(iing a pint of small
beer, which he often stirred with rosemary. He was well
iiatured, but soon angry, calling his servants bastards,
cuckolds, and knaves ; in one of which he often spoke truth
to, his own knowledge, and sometimes in both, though of
the jame man. He lived to be an hundred, never lost
^ ■ hi^
A REMARKABLE IMPOSTURE. 26l
his eye-sight^ but always wrote and read without spec-
tacles, and got on horse back without help till past four-
\ score; he rid to the death of" the stag as well as any.
A REMARKABLE IMPOSTURE.
i-N the year 17G2, a hoy of Bilson, who was onl}- 13
years of age, by instruction so conducted himself before
the public that the spectators were induced by his ex-
traordinary fits, agitations,, and tlie surprising distempers
wherewith he seemed to be affected, to believe hhn to be
possessed of a devil and hezvitched. In his fits he seemed
to be both deaf, and blind, writhing his mouth, continually
groaning and panting. And although often pinched with
men's fingers, pricked with needles, tickled on the sides,
whipped severely with rods, and treated with other cor-
rections, he was never known to discover the least sense
of what was done unto him. When he was thought to
"be out of his fits, he digested nothing given him for
nourishment, but would often surprize the company by
casting rags, thread, straws, crooked pins, needles, &c.
out of his mouth ; by such means his belly grew almost
as flat as his back ; his throat swelled and grew hard,
his tongue seemed to be stiff and rolled up to the roof
of his mouth, so that he seemed always dumb; had he
not vouchsafed to speak a few words once a fortnight
or three weeks. This impostor proceeded so far as to ac-
cuse a poor, honest, industrous old moman, named Joan
Cook, of Witchcraft, and of bewitching him in particular;
and by his artful behaviour, when she was brought ever
60 secretly "into the room where he was, raised a strong
presumption of the truth of his accusation, for which
crime of witchcraft the poor woman was apprehended,
and obliged to take her trial at the Stafford assizes, to
the
263 A REMARKABLE IMPOSTURE.
the manifest danger of her life, but was acquitted by the
jury-
The judges then committed the care of the boy to the
Bishop of Litchfied and Coventry, then present in court,
who carried him to his palace at Eccleshall ; and there
having first taken the advice of well approved physicians
concerning the state of his body; his Lordship did intend
to proceed with him by severities, but in the mean time
•was informed that the boy always fell into agitation and
violent fits, upon hearing the words of St. John's Gospel.
In the beginning was the zcord, S)'c. he resolved to begin
with this experiment.
**" Boy," said the Bishop, '"' it is cither thou thyself or the
devil that abhorrest those words of the Gospel ; and if it
be the devil there is no doubt but he understandeth all
languages ; so that he cannot but know, and shew his
abhorrence, when I recite the same sentence in the
Gospel out of the Greek text; but if it be thyself, then
thou art an execrable wretch who playest the devils part,
in loathing that part of the Gospel of Christ, which above
all other scriptures, doth express the admirable union of
the godhead and manhood, in one Christ and Saviour
which union is the arch-pillar of man's salvation ; there-
fore look to thyself, for now thou art to be put unto trial,
and mark diligently whether it be the same scripture
which shall be read unto thee out of the Greek Testa-
ment, at the reading whereof, in the English tongue thou
doth seem to be so much troubled and tormented."
Then the Bisliop read untp him the 12th instead of the 1st.
verse of the first chapter of St. John, which the pretended
Demoniac supposing to be the first verse, he as usual fell
into a fit, which being soon over, the Bishop then read the
real first verse in Greek; buthe supposing this was some
other text, shewed no ^ort of emotion at this reading.
Here
WONDERS ON THE DEEP. £6,'?
Here the Bishop would have rested the detection of
.the impostures, and the youngster seemed greatly con-
founded at his own mistake; hut recovering himself, and
resuming various sensations and postures, he excused him-
self to the company by i)retending he was disturbed by the
appearance of two mice, complained of great sickness; and
in order to get home to his father's house he would ans'ver
no more questions; but by writing, as well as hecould,sig-
nified that he was troubled with a violent pain in his belly.
To confirm his complaint he next day contrived to make
water as black as ink, and continued so to do for two
days with tokens of great pain. A circumstance which
alarmed the Bishop greatly, and had well nigh obtained
his dismission before the imposture could be sufiicentlv
made out to quiet the minds of the divided people. But
by diligence and narrow watching, it was on the third
day discovered that he made black water by the help of
an inkhorn which stood in one corner of the room; and
being taken in the fact, he confessed, and related the
manner of imposing so many ways upon the public.
Yours, &c.
CAROLUS
WONDERS OF THE DEEP.
Being an exact Tcpreseiitation of the River Thames, as it
appeared during the memorable Frost, zchich began about
the middle of December, and ended on the 2Sth of
February follozcing, anno 1683-4.
1 HIS frost continued with such violence, that men and
beasts, coaches and carts, went as frequently thereon, a©
boats were wont to pass before. The curious tieTC zee have
engraved from a 7)iost rare and valuable original, represents
an exact prospect ofan assemblage of booths, that reached
from the Tem})lc to Southwark, and was called Freezland'^
Street, alias Blanket Fair ; where was sold all sorts of
'■ood's
£64 WONDERS ON THE DEEP.
goods imaginable : namely, clothes, plate, earthen ware,
meat, drink, books, prints, toys, and hundreds of other
commodities, so that the whole trade of London was for
the time the frost continued, confined to the River
Thames.
This most wonderful frost began, the wind being North
West, about the l6th of November 1683, and thence by
small thaws continued to the 19th of December; at which
time the wind shifting the compass to North North East,
the sun shining, and the weather very clear, till such time
as, notwithstanding the resistance of the strongest tides, it
so incumbered the Thames with ice, that divers attempting
to cross in boats, were frozen in, and there endured much
misery, and amongst the rest, one person as he was shoot-
ing sea-pyes, was drove out at Black-Wall, and not being
able to get off, was starved to death with cold ; but soon
after, the ice closing, even from the mouth of the river,
to London Bridge, people began to build booths, which
by degrees they continued furnishing with all sorts of
wares for sale ; but a small thaw made them desist for
two days, after when the wind shifting again, it froze
more terrible than before. When not onlv a greater
number of booths were erected, than before ; but all
manner of sports and pastimes was performed on the
river, as well below as above bridge, and the Thames was
now known by the name of Frost Fair.
The North and South Channels were frozen a league or
more into the sea ; as likewise were all the Northern and
Eastern ports of England, Scotland, Leland, Holland,
Denmark, Sweden, France, and other countries, so that no
commerce could be had, from nation to nation; but fires
were kept in the city of Paris in the open streets. Nor
was the hoL coast of Spain exempted, and many people
died of the extreme cold ; fuel was so scarce in England,
that coals were raised irom 20s. to fJ. the chaldern. So
had
WONDERS ON THE DEEP. 265
that had not thek Majesties bouiuy relieved in a liberal
mariner the distresses of the people, many must un-
avoidably have perished of hunger and cold. Their lloyal
Highnesses Princess Anne, and George of Denmark, with
many of the nobility and gentry, followed the Royal ex-
ample, and rendered many distressed families a§ happy as
food and fuel could make them ; notwithstanding which,
many of a sickly constitution began to despair of living
througli the winter ; but it so pleased God, that the wind
suddenly and beyond expectation, turned to South by
West, on the28tii of February ; when the thaw began, and
it so happened that the next day, the ice, which most peo-
ple imagined would be the ruin of London Bridge,
sunk entirely to the bottom, and large fragments drove to
sea out of all the ports ; so that the river in a week's time
was open for trade, which few expected it would be pos-
sible for a month at least : )'et divers vessels, and a great
many men were lost, in hastily endeavouring to put in at
Staines, and many other bridges; abundance of fowl
and fish were found dead, and the dismal effects of the
hard weather was in every part to be seen:
'Three sir/gular poems zcere made at the time, on this ever
to be remembered Froit, zvhich as they convey a picture
of the times, zee have given at large, zcithout Abridge-
ment. Thejirst is imder the plate zee took our view frorn,
I.
THE various sports behold here in this piece.
Which for six weeks were seen upon the ice ;
L'pon the Thames the great vuriely
Of plays and booths is liere brought to your eye.
Here coaches, as in Cheapside, run on wheels.
Here men (out tipling of the fishes) reels :
Instead of waves that us'd to beat the shoar.
Here bulh they bait, till loudly they do roar ;
Vol. U Li Here
266 wondehs on the dee?.
Here boats do slide, M'bere boats were wont to row^
Where ships did sail, the sailors do them tow ;
And passengers in boats the river crost.
For the same price as 'twas before the frost.
There is the printing booth of wonderous fame.
Because that each man there did print his name ;
And sure, in former ages, ne're was found,
A press to print, where men so oft were drown'd.
In blanket booths, that sit at no ground rent,
^luch coin in beef and brandy there is spent.
The Dutchmen here in nimble cutting scates,.
To please the crowd do shew their tricks and feats ;
The rabble here in chariots run a round,
C offce and tea and mum doth here abound.
The tinkers here doth march at sound of kettle.
And all men know, that they are men of mettle :
Here roasted was an ox before the court.
Which to much folks afibrded meat and sport ;
At nine-pins here they play, as in Moorfields,
This place the pass-time, us of foot-ball yields :
The common hunt here, makes another show.
As he to hunt an hare is vont to go ;
But though no woods are here, or hares so fleet.
Yet men do often foxes catch and meet;
Into a hole here one b}' cliance doth fall.
At which the watermen began to bawl.
What will you rob our cellar of its drink?
When he alas, poor man, no harm did think.
Here men well mounted do on horses ride.
Here they do throw at cocks as at Shrovetide ;
A chariot here so cunningly was made.
That it did move itself without the aid
Of horse or rope, by virtue of a spring.
That Vulcau did contrive, who v. rought therein.
The
"6 "^"" :
2ams_, S.
WONDERS ON THE DEEP. 26?
The rooks at nine-holes here do flock together.
As they are wont to do hi summer weather.
Three ha'pcrth lor a penny, here they cry.
Of gingerbread, come, who will of it buy ?
This is the booth where men did money take.
For crape and ribbons that they there did make ;
But in six huurs, this great and rary sliow
Of booths and pastimes, all away did go.
n.
Behold the wonders of Almighty God,
Whose looks dry up, or chain the swelling flood ;
See how his breath lock'd up the wavy Thames,
And under rocks of ice conlin'd her streamsj
In spight of Phoebus heat contracted be«
Whilst restless Neptune murmuring underneath.
His strange captivity durst scarcely breathe.
A trading mart theharden'd waves become,
And marble like the watry world intomb ;
Whilst on its glass glib face strange buildings stand.
In spite of throbing waves, as on the land;
Furnish'twith trades, that there most things are sold,
As vessels of silver, copper, v;ood, brass, gold ;
Pewter, tinn, glass, and what could trade create.
Wine, beer, ale, brandy, chockolct;
Yea, toys, confections, roast-meat, gingerbread.
Were there produc'd, on whom some thousands {cd :
These were not all, books and varieties.
Strange to be seen, were there to please men's e\'es:
Ne're known before, street crouded ui)on street.
Signs upon signs, mens admiration meet.
Printing, an art before ne're public shown.
Upon the frozen-flood, to thousands known ;
Bulls and bears baited, pleasant monky-shows.
Fine eating, swallowing knives, trod iron tiiat glows;
L I 2 Walk'd
iomple to the ISarge-housc o er">
trcet, the ice long floating borc^ I
gh out hut one continued shore. J
26s • M'ONDEKS ON THE DEEP.
Walk'd on with naked feet, Dutch Flying boats.
Coaches swift running, ships as if a float.
Drove upon wheels; Dutch whirling, whimsic chair.
Turning more swift than unrestrained air.
A Freezeland chariot, a self-moving coach.
Whose swiftness rais'd mens admiration much.
l\ine-pins were play'd at, and cock-fighting found.
Sliding on scates, fox hunting, as tho' o'lh ground.
Ox roasted whole, horse-racing, pigin-holes.
Great football matches, and a game at bowls;
Whilst scatter'd on strong ice there every where.
Blanketed, boarded, matted booths appear;
And from the Temple to the Barge-house o'er
A wonderousst
iNIaking throu
Shrove Tuesday with cock-throwing usher'd in.
Was on the flood made hard by cold wind seen
Corn, coles, and wood, o're it daily convey'd.
And on the starlings kept the brandy trade ;
Through bridgf, men walk'd, whilst the strong ice below,
As that above, could numerous buildings show.
Not ships, but sail-cloath mansions, tent-wise fram'd.
In which great fires with roast-meat at them fam'd;
And some their pampi^r'd steeds durst proudly prance,
Whil.-it music play'd, drums beat, and men did dance:
Streamers wav'd with the wind, and all was bent.
To give the kind spectator's due content :
Who came in crowds to see that wond'rous sight,
Where people on the Thames dv/elt day and iSight;
Whilst strong North winds with unrelenting cold,
Imprison'd nature did in fetters hold.
But Heaven was kind at last^ the South windblew,*!
And weeping clouds o're earths hard bosom threw, I
Eesolvingall ihiugs with a subtile dew. J
II. Behold
.WONDERS ON THE DEEP. 269
II.
Behold the wonder of this present age,
A famous river now becomes a stage;
Question not what I now declare to you.
The Thames is now both fair, and market too ;
And many thousands daily do resort.
There to behold the pastime and the sport:
Early and late, used by young and old.
Who valu'd not the fierceness of the cold ;
And did Jiot think of that Almighty hand.
Who made the waters bear, like to the land.
Thousands and thousands to the river flocks.
Where mighty flakes of ice do lie like rocks :
There may you see the coaches swiftly run.
As if beneath the ice were waters none ;
And sholes of people every where there be.
Just like to herrings in the brackish sea;
And there the quaking watermen will stand yc,
Kind master, drink you beer, or ale, or brandy:
Walk in, kind Sir, this booth it is the chief.
We'll entertain you with a slice of beef;
And what you please to eat and drink, 'its here.
No booth, like mine, affords such dainty cheer.
Another cries, here master, they but scoff" ye.
Here is a dish of famous new made coffee ;
And some do say, a giddy senseless ass.
May on the Thames be furnish'd with a lass:
But to be short, such wonders there are seen.
That in this age before hath never been.
Before the Temple there a street is made.
And there is one almost of every trade:
There may you also this hard frosty winter.
See on the rocky ice a working Printer,
Who hopes by his own art to reap some sain.
Which he perchance doe^ think he may obtain ;
ilerc
270 'VeONDERS ON THE DEEf.
Here also is a lottery, and music too.
Yea, a cheating, drunken, bad, and debaucli'd crew.
Hot codlins, pancakes, duck, goose, and sack.
Rabbit, capon, hen, turkey, and a wooden jack;
In this same street before the Temple made.
There seems to be brisk and lively trade;
Where every booth hath such a cunning sign.
As seldom hath been seen in former time;
And there if you have money for to spend.
Each cunning snap will seem to be your friend.
There may you see small vessels tinder sail,
AU's one to them, with or against the gale:
And as they pass they little guns do fire.
Which feedeth some, and puffs them with desire
They sail therein, and when their money's gone,
*lts right, they cry, the Thames to come upon.
There on a sign you may most plainly see't.
Here's thejirst tavern built in Freezland^street :
There is bull baiting and bear baiting too.
That no man living yet e're found so true;
And foot-ball play is there so common grown.
That on the Thames before was never known;
Coals being dear are carry'd on men's backs.
And some on sledges there, are drawn in sacks ;
Men do on horseback ride from shore to shore.
Which formerly in boats were wafted o're :
Poor people hard shifts make for livelihoods.
And happy are if they can sell their goods ;
W^hat you can buy for threepence on the shore,
W^ill cost you fourpence on the Thames, or more.
Now let me come to things more strange, yet true.
And question not what I declare to you;
There roasted was a great and well-fed ox.
And there, with dogs, hunted the cunning fox:
Dancing
WONDERS ON THE DEEP. £71
Dancing o'th' ropes, and puppit-plays likewise.
The like before n'er seen beneath the skies ;
All stand admir'd, and very well they may.
To see such pastimes, and such sorts of" play :
Besides the things I nara'd to you before.
There other toys and baubles are great store ;
There may you feast your wandering eyes enough.
There you may buy a box to hold your suufF:
No fair nor market underneath the skies.
That can afford you more varieties ;
There may you see some hundreds slide in skeels.
And beaten patlis like to the city streets ;
There where Dutch whimsies turned swiftly round.
Faster then horses run on level ground :
The like to this I now to you do tell.
No former age could ever parallel :
There's all that can supply most curious minds.
With such varieties of cunning signs ;
That I do think no man dolh understand.
Such merry fancies e'er were on the land ;
There is such whimsies on the frozen ice.
Makes some believe the Thames a Paradice ;
And though these sights be to our admiration.
Yet our sins, our sins, do call for lamentation.
Though such unusual frosts to us arc strange.
Perhaps it may predict some greater change;
And some do fear may a fore-runner be.
Of an approaching sad mortality ;
But why should we to such belief incline ?
There's none that knows, but the blest pow'r divine ;
And whatsoe're is from Jehovah, sent,
Poor sinners ought therewith to be content ;
If dreadful, then to fall upon the knee.
And beg remission of the Deity :
Bnt
272 REMARKABLE FROSTS ID ENGLAND
But if beyond our thoughts he sends us store.
With all our hearts let's thankful be therefore.
Now let us all in Great Jehovah trust.
Who do preserve the righteous and the just;
And eke conclude sin is the cause of all
The heavy judgements that on us do fall ;
And call to mind, fond man, thy time mispent.
Fall on tliy knees, and heartly repent ;
Then will thy Saviour pity take on thee.
And thou shaltlive to all eternity.
A Chronologj/ of He mark able Fkosts in England,
from the second year of the Conqueror to the year 1683-4.
Anno IOGS, being the second year of William the
Conquerors's reign, a terrible frost began on the 9th of
October, which continued till the middle of February
following without intermission; it froze up most rivers,
particularly the Tweed, Thames, and Humber, and destroy-
ing green things of the earth, caused a dearth theenstiing
year.
Anno 1137, the second year of King Stephen's reign,
the Thames and Medway were frozen over, so that divers
people passed on foot from shore to shore upon the ice ;
as likewise did they over other rivers, and some arms of
the sea; when the frost continuing from the 10th of No-
vember, to the igtli of January; most of the fish in
ponds and small rivers were frozen to death: tind by
reason of the sudden and unusual snow that fell, some
hundreds of srtiall cattle were overwhelmed and smo-
thered.
Anno 1199, the first year of King John's reign, a great
and terrible frost began on the 10th of December, and
continued till the middle of March, so that people were
forced to make fires in divers streets, to abate the keen-
ness
EEMABKaBLE FEOSTS in ENGLAND. 273
ncss of the air, which notwithstanding numbed divers
people to deaths and was the cause or" a great dearth and
mortahty the year after.
Anno 1380, the third year of Richard the Second, the
Channel between France and England \vas half frozen
over, and most rivers lock'd up ; when after about a month's
continuance, such abundance of snow fell, that a sudden
thaw ensued, many bridges were broken down by the
torrent of water, and many houses overwhelmed in the
low villages of England, and suburbs of London.
Anno 1484, in the second year of Richard's usurping
the crown, a frost began in September, and from thence
without much interruption, continued till the latter end
of February, so that no grass being to be had, hay was
/3l. the load, and coals at 3l. the chaldern.
In the 19th year of Henry the Eighth's reign, a frost
began on the third of November, and lield to the 7th of
March, with such extremity, that maiiy people were
found dead in the streets.
Anno 1G12, being the 10th year of King James's reiign,
a frost happenerl, which continued seven weeks; during
which time the Thames at Lambeth and Whitehall was
frozen over, and men passed thereon.
In the J 1th year of King ('harles the First, a terrible
frost happened, which continuing three months without
mtermission, caused great scarcity to ensue ; and did
greatly indannnage most bridges upon its sudden thaw.
Anno 1()(34, a terrible frost happened, which continued
from the 10th of November to the middle of March, in-
somuch that the snow lying on the ground, and the
rhime on the trees, the wild-fowl in great abundance were
found dead in the fields, and many people suffered ereaf
misery, by being frozen into the Thames, as they were
crossing the water in boats.
Ann l67f), a terrible Irost began about the l6th of
Vol. XI. M m December
274 HUMAN BONES DISCOVEI! KD IN AN ORC'IIARrj.
December, which continued with such violence, that the
Thames was frozen over in (Hvers phices, except a nar-
row channel, over which people passed on planks; then
and-that the hist tiine in our age, that such k number of
booths, and all manner of provision, was found upon the
congealed flood; which frost endured till the 15th of
I'ebruary, and then by its sudden thaw, broke down many
bridges, and raised iloods that (how nod many sheep, goats,
and other small cattle, and otherwise did great damage.
TO THE EDITOR OT THE WON DERE U L AN 1) SCIENTIFIC
MUSEUM.
Sin,
^Jn my letter to yon (hitod November 13tli, 1S0;5, and which you <lid nie thr
honour to publisli in Vol. I. page 438, of your Museum, wherein I
vstateJ my intention of transmitting j'on more TJcmarkable Characters,
"If "t!ie subjoined was inserted in it; and winch promise I purpose com-
plying with by giving an account of one or more extraordinary persons
■_ at the conclusion of the list of Miscellaneous articles, which I have now,
and in future shall send for the purpose of aj)pcaring to the public through
the medium of your valuable and autlientic Repository, if you think they
■ will prove cnteHaininj to your numerous readers, to oblige whom it will
ever be the wish of your correspondi-nt and constant reader.
■j!{oUiiighum, April \-i,liO-L D. B. L,
HUMAN BONES DISCOVEUED IN AN OKCHAUD.
.I.N the month of April 17G0, as some workmen were
digging in an orchard, then belonging to Mr. Basil Har-
rison, near the Cross-Keys, for brick earth, at the depth of
about five feet, they found a leaden coffin much decayed,
containing the skull and bones of a woman, as supposed;
the coffin was six feet long, the head of which was
fifteen inches over, twelve deep, and the feet nine inches
over. It lay upon some small tiles thought to be^the bot-
tom of a vault, and had several characters on them so
much defaced as not to be understood. What was re-
markable.
UNCOMMON' mXIDS AND BEASTS. tlo
insirkable is, that under the middle of the coffin was ii
stone sixteen inches by lourteen, vviiii a hole in the centre
four inches square, lull of small coal and dust. Several
months before this was found, by digging near the same
place, an urn fourteen inches deep, and twelve inches
over, which was likewise full of small coal and ashes.
Many more human bones having at times been dug up
in the orchard, makes it believed that it v.as tlie bur^ung
place belonging to the nunnery or church of St. Sepul-
chre's, formerly standing near that place for some ages
past.
A list of some uncommon Birds atid Beasts discovered in
this Qounlry.
A VERY uncommon Woodcock was in March 1760,
killed near Carmartiien, his head and bill was extremely
large; the feathers froju the crown of the head, and all
round his neck to the body, were coal black; his tail
was very long, and like a black heath-cock's, tipped with
white ; his wings were large, and every feather in each
was tipped with about in inch of white, and very beauti-
fully speckled all over with black and white spots ; the
feathers of his body were of the common colour, but
mixed throughout with black feathers tipped with white',
and all his claws were black. He was made a present of
by Mr. Dawson, the person who killed him, to a gentle-
man then going for London, who promised lo get him
drawn.
At Colonel Thornton's, Thornvillc Royal, Yorkshire,
at different periods between the years 1783 and 1702, tlicre
have been bred a white hare, a white stag, a white mole, a
white sparrow, and a white rook; and in the nest of the
last specimen wore three of the common colour, and two
pye-balled.
M m 2 la
276 RECOVERY OF SIGHT.
In June 178S;, a -vrhitc linnet was caught at Baklock^
in Hertfordshire.
In ISovember 1797, a while yellow-hammer was killed
in the neighbourhood of Lewes.
In November 1797, the keeper killed a hare in the
wood near the HoraC-course, belonging to Andrew Cor-
betl, Esq. of Shavvbury Park, Salop ; which weighed
rather more than nine pounds; but what is singular, she
was quite white. The cause of this change, it is imagined,
proceeded, from her being over-heated in a hard course,
which she sustained about two years before with a leash
of grey-hounds; and though the com^se was very long,
and one of the dogs caught the hare, and died whilst she
was in his mouth, jet she then made her escape. The
othci two dogs were in all appearance dead through fa-
tigue, but by being immediately, and properly treated
tney recovered. As a proof of its being the same hare
she had lost iialf her scut, as appeared when she was
killed. She was often seen, and at last taken by a pointer
in her form. Her skin was preserved as a curiosity.
A EECOVERY OF SIGHT.
In April J 792, died at Norwich, in the 8Sth year of his
age, Mr. Nicholas Hubbard. There were two singular
circumstances attending his life, which are worthy of
notice ; his having had 26 children by two wives, and
what is more extraordinary, 13 by each wife, and that of
his receiving naturally and providentially without any
medical assistance, several months before hi? death a
return of his eye-sight, after his being totally deprived
of that inestimable blessing fourteen years, wliich he re-
tained with encreasing strength to the hour of his dis-
solution.
A KEM ARK ABLE
A REMARKABLE TORNADO, OR HURRICANE. 277
A REMARKABLE METEOR.
A REMyVllKABLE Meteor was seen in March 1795^
at Sheffield, at C5 minutes past 11 o'clock, acooinpanied
with a most tremendous roll, resembling thunder, which
lasted one minute and a half. The direction of the
Meteor was northward. its appearance was highly
beautiful and magnificent. It appeared to descend in
two balls to the earth.
A REMARKABLE TORNADO, OR HURRICANE.
On the 23d of July 1797, about one o'clock in the
afternoon, a tornado or hurricane happened near Work-
sop, in the county of Nottingham ; its course was in a
north-east direction, and its violence was first percfuvcd
on the forest, between Workso'p and Monton, where it
strip t large branches from oak'and other trees, scattering
them to considerable distances, taking up cocks and
even stacks of hay, drii^ing them in every direction ; and
a wooden barn there was unroofed and thrown down.
At Kelton, a little to the north-east, a small cottage aiKl
an out house was unroofed, and all the aj)ple-trees in the
orchard adjoining torn up by the roots. The storm go-
ing on from thence with encrcascd violence, tearing up
some trees, splitting others, and destroying every thing
. in its way, till arriving at a plantation of spruce furs near
Scofton, belonging to Mr. Sutton, where it cut an avenue
through it about 30 yards wide, aiul threw down every
tree in its course, except one, which has unaccountably
stood, though in the very centre of its progress. This
hurricane did not seem to extend above three miles in
length, and about 100 yards in breadth. On the day it
happened, and on the preceding one, the claps of thun-
der, with vivid lightning, were fre(^uent and violent : the
atmosphere
£7S JOHN DUNN, A penuhious ciiatjactek.
atmosphere seemed to be strongly impregnated with the
electric fluid, which by its action might rarefy the air in a
partial or local manner, and thus occasion the above men-
tioned eftects, till the equilibrum was restored.
JCHN DUNN, A PENUIIIOUS CHAKACTER.
l-N the month of July 1795, died in a lodging-house
Hear Gloucester, John Dunn, well known by the name of
the Old Fra^h JAnen-Man. He had frequented that
city upwards of eighteen years; his appearance was
wretched in the extreme, and his garments worse than
those worn by a common beggar, whose character he
frequently assumed ; by which means he procured the
greatest necessaries of life, and always preferred those
places to lodge in where beggars resorted. He was
never seen with more than a piece, or a piece and a half
of linen in a wretched wallet or bag, thrown across his
shoulder, with which he called at every door, and usually
travelled a circuit of eighteen or twenty miles at a time.
His custom was to go to Ireland six or eight times in the
j'ear, where it appears, by receipts found about him, that
Ijis trade was so large, that he paid 150l. per annum for
bleaching only. Finding his dissolution rapidly ap-
proaching, he sent for a tradesmaii, at whose house he
had frequently received donations; to him he disclosed
his mind, and told him, that he was possessed of a great
deal of cash, as well as several packs of linen, in w-hicli
his money was concealed, in a warehouse on the quay
in Glouctster, as well as some goods that were in the
ciry of Chester. On opening the packs at the former
place, in the presence of the gentleman, who was accom-
panied by a clergyman and several others, a considerable
quantity of gold nnd silver was found, very curiously tied
MOVEMENT OF THE EARTH. Q79
v.p in rags and old stockings, in small parcels, and in a
variety of covers. The whole was intended to be dis-
tributed among his poor relations in Ireland : it appears
thai he never was married.
>rOVEMENT OF THE EARTH.
TO THE EDITOn OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sin,
A most oxtraord'mary occurrence having taken i)Iace in our ntighbcurliood,
1 take tlie earliest opjiortunity of transmitting j'ou the particulars, and
shall be hitrhly gratified in finding it inserted in the next number of your
Ocigiiial and Entertaining Work,
And am, your obedient servant,
}imtol,Muii'2l, 1604. ISAAC J AMES-
On Triday May 4th, 1804, about 4 o'clock in the after-
tcrnoon, came on at Bristol, a lieavy storm of thunder,
lightning, hail, and rain, during which the following-
singular occurrence happened behind Brislington Turn-
pike, about half a mile from Temple-Gate, in this city,
and between the Bath and Wells roads« About half an
acre of land, situated on the declivity, between two hills,
removed into the field below, carrying with it about 36
yards of the hedge, which is mostly overwhelmed in the
ruins. From the uppermost part of the breach to where
the hedge stood is about 50 yards: this body of earth
(which in some places is nearly ten feet thick) for at least
three parts out of four is precipitated into another field;
about a fourth part remaining, in a great measure un-
broken, in the station from which the foremost part ad-
vanced, the progress of which lias been about 56 yards.
The bed of earth left bare is of a clay te.xture, and that
which lay upon it more inclining to mould, and probably^
from
280 MOVEMENT OF THF EARTH.
from its sltaation might have some deep sissures. The
rain fell in torrents, insomuch, that fit Knowle, on the
summit of the hill, the people tell me the Wells road re-
sembled a river. Thus the earth being full of water, and
perhaps raised from tlie bed of clay, would require a great
projectile force: and it seems it did, for the bulk of the
removed ground lias passed over about 30 yards of the
field below, leaving the grass (already subricated b}' the
rain) comparatively clean behind it. Its pi'ogress must
have resembled that of a ship going off the stocks ; but
I believe no person saw it. Mr. Fletcher, at the turn- j
-pike, tells me he perceived nothing of it though it ad- \
vanccd directly behind his house, towards which, !
he says, it thundred most tremendously. The fore- 1
most body of earth is about 36 yards in length, and j
part of the hedge remains about 8 yards behind the front |
of it. Another great body has not advanced quite s6 far, j
and lies in broken fragments of a pyramidical form. The ^
separation of these two bodies resembles aditch in astraight
line. The hedge has advanced about 48 yards, and the whole
length from the-topof the breach to the foremost ground
is about 106 yards. There is no appearance of the
lightning having stiuck the ground, as was at first sup- '
posed. Many thousands of people have been to visit the
spot, and still continue to go ; and on Sunday, May l.Sth,
two sermons were preached there to several hundred '
spectators, from the laudable design of making so unusual
an occurrence truly beneficial. You have doubtless seen,
the accounts of the damage done by the lightening at
Westover House near Kitton, in the upper road hence
10 Bath, near which city an occurrence similar to the
above took place ; at Keynsham also, and other places ia
this neighbourhood, its effects were severely felt.
•
BXTBAOKDINARY
V ( 281 )
EXTRAORDINARY MARRIAGE.
On April 1st. 1804, was married at Portieu, Citizen
Jean Mossequin, aged 105, to his ninth wife, Maria
Vascois, aged 19. He died the night after his wedding,
leaving behind him 29 children, 49 grand children, and
69 great grand children.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM,
Sir,
In looking over some curious old books in tny possession, 1 found a singularly
rare tract, which as I think, will suit the purpose of your undertaking, I
have transci'ibed, and enclosed for your use.
Yours, 3ic. S. D.
The miraculous preservation and deliverance of Eight
Englishmen, left bi/ mischance in Greenland, Anno,
1630; zcere they continued nine months and tzcclvt daj/s,
suffering great hardship for Kant of food, 6;c.
Greenland is a country very far northward, situated
in 77 degrees and 40 minutes, that is, within 12 degrees
and 20 minutes of the North Pole itself. The land is
wonderfully mountainous; and the mountains all the
vcar, covered Avith ice and snow ; the plains in part, are
bare in summer, there grows neither tree nor herb, except
scurvy-grass and sorrel. The sea is as barren as the
land, affording no fish but whales, sea-horses, scales,
and another small fish. The Muscovie merchants of
London, sent a fleet of small vessels yearly to this place,
to catch the whales and sea horses, for the advantage dc'
rived by the oil. On the 1st of May, lt)30, wc, William
Ji'akely, as gunner; luUvard Pclham, gunncr's-mate ;
Jolin Wise and Robert (joodfellow, seamen; Tliomas
Ayers, vvhalc-cuiteri ilcnry Bett?, cooper; John Dawes
J-yj,, IL > n and
282 MIRACIJLOrs ptifservatiow.
and Richard Kellet, landsmen^ sailed in a ship called
the Salutation, from the port of London ; and hav-
ing a fair gale, we quickly left the fertile banks of
England's pleasant shores behind us. After which,
setting our comely sails to the supposed prosperous gale,
and ranging through the boisterous billows of the rugged
seas, by the help and gracious assistance of Almighty
God, we safely arrived at our destined port in Greenland,
the Jlthof June following: whereupon having moored
our ships, and carried our casks on shore, we, with all
expedition fell to the fitting up of our shallops, with all
things necessary for our intended voyage; we were in
company three ships, all of which were then appointed,
by the order of our Captain, William Goodler, to stay at
tlie Foreland until the 15th of July ; with resolution^
that if we could not by that time make a vova";e to our
expectation, then to send one ship to the eastward, unto
a fishing place some lourscore leagues from hence, whi-
ther at the latter end of the year the whales use more fre-
quently to resort. A second of the three ships was de-
signed fur Green-Harbour, (a place some fifteen leagues
distant to the southward) and was appointed to stay at the
Foreland until the 20th of August; but the Captain
having made a great voyage at Bell-Sound, dispatches
a Shallop towards our ship, with a com.mand unto us to
come to him at Bell-Sound aforesaid : his purpose being,
both to have us take in some of his train oil, as also by
joining our forces together, to make the fleet so much
the stronger for the defence of the merchants goods
homeward bound; the Dunkirkers being ver}' strong and
rife at sea in those days. Upon the 8tli of August leav-
ing the Foreland, we directed our course to the south-
ward, towards Green-Harbour, there to take in twenty
of our men, which had out of our ship's company been
sent
Miraculous Preservation*.- £83
sent into the lesser ship^ for the furtherance of her
Voyage.
But the wind being now contrary^ our ship could no
way lie our course^ the Ijth day being calm and clear^
and our ship now in the offing, some leagues from Blacks-
Point, and about five from tlie Maydens happes, (which
is a famous place for good and great store of venison) our
master sent eight men of us together in a shallop, for
the hunting and killing some venison, for the ship's;
provision ; we thus leaving the ship, and having a brace
of dogs along with us, and furnished ourselves with asnap-
hance, two lances, and a tinder-box, we directed our
course towards the shore, where in four hours we ar-
rived, the weather being at that time fair, clear, and every
way seasonable to our intention. That day we laid four-
teen tall and ninlble deer aloiig> and being very weary
and throughly tired, first with rowing) and now with
hunting) we fell to eat such provisions as we had brought
with lis, agreeing to take our rest for that night, and the
next day to make an end of our hunting, and so return to
the ship again. But the next day, as it pleased God, the
weather falling out something thick, and much ice in the
offing betwixt iIkt shore and the ship (by reason of a
southerly wind drivinj^ ahmg the coast), our ship was
forced so far off to sea to be clear of the ice, thatweliad
quite lost sight of her; neither could we assure ourselves
whether she were inclosisd in the drift ice or not; and
the weather growing thickci' and thicker, we thought it
our best course to hunt along the shore> and so to go lor
Green-Haibour, there to stay aboard the ship with the
rest of our men, until our own ship, should come into
the port.
Coastinn thus alon^ tov/ards Green-harbour, w^e killed
eight deer more, and at last having laden our shallop
N n 9, with
284 MiRACrlous fTxEservatioN'.'
\*ith venison, we kept on our course for Grcen-Harbonr :
where arriving on the Ifcith day, we found, to our great
surprise, that the ship was departed thence, together with
cur twenty men aforesaid ; that which increased oin- ad-
miration was, we knew they had not victuals sufficient
aboard, to serve them by proportion, homeward bound ;
which made us again to wonder what sliould be the rea-
son of their so sudden departure.
Perceiving ourselves thus frustrated of our expectation
and having now but three bare da3-s (according to ap-
pointment) to the uttermost expiration of our limited
time for departure out of the country, wc thought it our
best course to make all possible speed to get to Bell-
sound, unto our Captain. Fearing a little delay might
bring a great deal of danger, for the lightening therefor^
of our shallop, that she might make the better way
through the waters, we heaved our venison over-board,
and cast it all into the sea. Having thus forsaken Green-
Harbour, with a Ion2;in'j[ desire to recover bell-Son nd.
(from thence distant some sixteen leagues to the south-
ward) that night we got half way about the point of the
Nesse, or point of Land, called Low-Nesse, but the
darkness or misty fog increasing so fast upon wi^, that it
was impossible for u,s to get further; and there between
two rocks we coved from the 17t)i day at night, until
the !8th day at noon; at which time the weather being
something clearer (though very thick still) we left the
Nesse behind us, still desirous to recover Bell-Sound ;
ibut having never a compass, to direct our course by., nor
any of our company that was pilot suflicient to know the
laud. \\ hen we saw it, we were fain to grabble in the
daik> as it were, like a blind nuui for his way; and so
'over-bhat Bell-Point, at least ten leagues to the southward,
toward^ Hond-Sound.
Some
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION. ^S.'i
■ Some of us in the mean time, knowing that it was im-
possible to be so long a rowing and sailing of eight
leagues (for we did both row and sail) made enquiry of
©ne another, how tiie harbour lay ; most of us judging
that it coukl not possibly be further to the southward,
our reason being our observation of the lands rounding
axcay aud trenthv^^ towards the eastward. AVe re.'^olved
thereupon to rov/ no further on that course, for the find-
ing of Bell-Sound ; and though we were persuaded by
William Fakely our gunner, (a proper seaman, thouglino
skilful mariner, who had been in the eountry five or i«ix
times before, which none of our seamen had been), tliat
it was farther to the southward, vet we, trustins: better
to our own reasons than unto his persuasions, agaiii
returned towards the northward, which was our best and
direct course indeed, for the finding the Bell-Soiind.
Steering of which course, we were now come within two
miles of Bell-Poiut, and the weather being fair and
clear, we presently descried the tops of the lofty moun-
tains; William I'akely thereupon looking about him,
presently cries out unto us, '^ that zee rcere all this Zi-hiU
upon a zcrong cuiirsc.^' Upon hearing which words, some
of our company, yea the most, were persuudtd to turn
about the boat's head a second time, linto the southward;
which one action, was the main and only cause of our
too late repentance ; though for my own part, as it is weil
known, T never gave con.ent to their counsel.
And thus upon the fatal £Oth day of August, which
was the utmost day of our limited time for staying in the
country; we again returned the quite contrary wav, '
namely to the southv/ard, utterly uncertain when, and
where to find the sound ; a thousand sad in)agination3
overtaking our perplexed mind j all of us assuredly know-^
ing, that a million of miseries would of necessity ensue,
if we fuuud not the ships to save our passage. In this
diitractcd
28^ MfRACULOUS PKESEHVATlON.
distracted time of our thoughls, we were now the second
time running as far to the southward as at the first; bufe
finding there was no likehhood of finding any such a,
place further to the south, we turned the shallop again to
the northward ; William Fakel}' hereupon, being unwil-
ling to condescend unto our agreement, still sai/ing it
could not be our course : but we not trusting longer to his
opinion (though all in him was out of good will and con-
ceit of being in the right), and he not consenting to steer
any longei", I took the oar out of his hand to steer the
boat withal. The weather all this while continued faic
and clear, and it pleased God at the very instant to send
the wind easterly ; which advantage we thankfully em-
braced, and presently set sail. The wind increasing fresh
and large, and our shallop swiftl}' running, we arrived
the 21st da}' at Bell-Point, where we found the wind
right out of the sound, at East North East, so fiercely
blowing, that wc could not possibly row to windward ;
but being forced to take in our sail, we were fain to be-«
take ourselves unto our oars, by help of which we re-
covered some two miles within the shore, where we were
constrained for that time to cove, or else to drive to lee-
ward.
binding this to be the place we had all this while
sought for (he now also agreeing thereunto) we forthwith
sought out and found an harbour for our shallop ; and
having brought her into it, two of our men were presently
dispatched over-land, unto the tent at Bell-Sound, to sec
if the ships were still there; of which, by reason of the
time being expired, and the opportunity of the present
high wind, we v/ere much afraid. The tent being distant
ten miles at least from our shallop, our men at their com-
ing thither, and finding the ships to be departed out of
the road, and not being certain, whether or not they
might be at Bottle-Cove, three Icfigues distant on the
other
MIRACULOUS PRESKHVATIOTI. 28?
Other side the sound, riding there under the loom of the
Jand ; again returned to us with their sad news. The
storm of wind continuing till about midnight^ it fell to a
stark calm ; wtiereupon we, unwilling to lose the oppor-
tunity, departed towards Bottle-Cove, betwixt hope and
fear of finding the ships there. Whither coming the 22d
and finding the ships departed, we having neither pilot
or compass for our directors to the eastward, found our-
selves (God he knoweth) to have little hope of any deli-
very out of this apparent danger. Our fears increased
upon us, even whilst we consulted together, whether it
were safest to go or stay : if to go, then we thought of the
dangers in sailing, by reason of the ice in our wayj as
also of the difficulty in finding the place, when we should
come thereabout. If we resolved still to remain at Bell-
Sound, then we thought that no other thing could be
looked for, but a miserable and pining death, seeing
there appeared no possibility of inhabiting there, or to
endure so long, so darksome a winter.
And thus were our thoughts at that time distracted,
thus were our fears increased ; nor were they careless
fears. Well we knew that neither Christian or Heathen
people, had evt-r before inhabited those desolate and in-
temperate climates. This also, to increase our fears, had
we certainly heard, how that the merchants having in
former times much desired, and that with proffer of great
rewards for the hazarding of their lives, and of suf-
ficient furniture and provision of all things that might be
thought necessary for such an undertaking, to any that
would adventure to winter in those parts; could never
yet find any so hardy, as to expose their lives unto so
hazardous an undertaking; yea, notwithstanding these
proffers had been made, both unto mariners of good ex-
perience and noble resolutions, and also unto divers other
bold
€88 MIRACULOUS PRESERVATICN.
bold spirits ; yet had the action of wintering in those
parts, never by any been hitherto nndcrtakoii. This alsQ
had we heard, how that the company <'>f MuscoXie
merchants, having once procured the reprieve of some
malefactors, that had at home been convicted by
law, for some heinous crimes committed ; and that both
promise of pardon for their faults, with addition of re-
wards also, if so be they would undertake to remain in
Greenland but one whole year, and that every way pro-,
vidcd for too, both of clothes, victuals, and all thing?
else, that might be any way needful for their preserva-;
tion. These poor wretches hearing of this large proft"cr>
and fearing present execution at home^ resolved to make
trial of the adventure. The time of the year being
come, and the ships ready to depart, these condemned
creatures were embarked, who, after a certain space ar-
riving, and taking a view of the desohitcness of the
place, they conceived such a horror and inward fear in
tlieir hearts, that they resolved rather ro return tQ
England to make satisfaction with their lives, for their
former faults committed, than there to remain, though
with assured hope of pardon. Insomuch as the time o£
year being come that the ships were to depart from these
barren shores, thty made known their full intent to the
Captain ; wlio being a pit^'ing and merciful gentleman,
Avould not by force constrain tfeem to stay in that place,
which was contrary to their minds; but iiaving made
his voyage and the time expired, he again embarked and
brought them over with him to England ; where, through
the intercession and means of the worshipful company
of ^luscovie Merchants, they escaped that death, whicU
they had before been condeinned unto. The r< niembran<e
of these two stories, as also a third, (more teirihle thaqt
bolh the former); lur tliut was likelv to be our ouu casCj
nj(.irc
MIFACULOUS PRESERVATION. 'C!89
more miserably now affrighted us; and that Avas the la-
mentable and unmanly ends, of nine good and able men,
left in the same place heretofore, by the self samemaster
that now left us behind ; who all died miserably upori
the place, beingcruelly disfigured after their deaths, by the
savage bears, and hungry foxes, which are not only the
civilest, but also the only inhabitants of that comfortless
COuntr}' : (he lamentable ends and miscarriage of which
Inen, had been enough indeed to have daunted the spirits
t)f the most noble resolution.
- All these fearful examples presenting themselves be-
fore our eyes, at this place of Bottle-Cove aforesaid,
made us like amazed m'eii, to stand looking 6ne upon
another, all of us, as it were beholding in the present,' the
future calamities, both of himself, and of his fellows ji
arid thus, like men already metamorphosed into the icel
of the counti-y, and already past both our seuic and rea-
son, we stood with eyes of pity beholding oiie another.
Nor was- it other men's examples and niiscarriages, and
fears alone, that made us amazed; but it was the consi-
deration of our want of all necessary provision for the
life of man, that already struck us to the heart, for we
were not only unprovided both of clothes to keep u«
warm, and of food to prevent the wrath of cruel famine,
but utterly destitute also of a sufficient house, wherein to
shrowd and shelter ourselves from the chilling cold.
Thus for a space, standing all mute and silent, weighing
with ourselves the misery we were alread}-^ fallen in, and'
knowing that delay in these extremities to be the mo-
ther of all dangers ; we began to conceive hope, even out
of the depth of despair. Rousing up our benumbed
senses therefore, we now lay our heads and counsel to-
gether, to bethink of the likeliest course for our preserva*
tion in that place, seeing that all hopes of gaining out
passage to England were then quite frustrated. Shaking
Vol. II. o © off
290 MlHAGULOtS 1>RESERVATION,-
off therefore, all childish fear, it pleased God to give ui
hearts like men, to arm ourseUes with a resolution to do
cur best for the resisting, of that monster of desperation'.
An agreement thereupon, by agencral consent of the whole
company, we then entered into, to take the opportunity
of the next fair weather, and go for Green-Harbour,
to hunt and kill venison_, for part of our winter provision.
Having thus agreed among ourselves, the 25th of
August, the wind and weather being both fair, we di'
reeled our course towards Green-Harbour, some sixteen
leagues, as I before said, distant from Bell-Sound ; and
the wind being fresh and fair, within the space of twelve
hours we there arrived ; upon which place being now
landed^ the first thing we did, was to make us a tent with
the sail of our shallop, pitched up and spread upon our
oars; under this shelter we resolved to rest ourselves
that night, and to refresh our bodies with such food as we
there had ; and the next day to return to our hunting.
The weather that night proving fair and clear, we made
our sleep the shorter, and fitting ourselves and shallop
the best way we could, proceeded to Coles-Park, some
two leagues di&tant from us, and well known to Thomas
Ayres, to be well stored with venison. Coming onshore
here, w^e found not so many deer as we expected from
his report ^ but killed seven that da}', and four bears be-
iide, which we also intended to eat.
The weather beginning now to overcast, and not likely
to continue good ior hunting, we that 'night returned
again to Green-Harbour ; Avherc making us a tent of our
sfiils and oars as before, we fell to eat of such meat as
God had sent us, and betook ourselves to rest upon it ;
and now finding the weather to clear up, we broke ofl'our
sleep for that time, fitting ourselves and two dogs to go a
hunting, leaving William Fakely and John Dawes, be-
hind usj in the teat at Grecn-Hai hour, to dress some
meat for refrc»4une;it ut our return.
Departing
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION'.* ¥91
Departing from the tent, we rowed towards Coles-
park; in the way, upon the side of a hill, by the sea
side, we espied seven deer feeding, on which wc rowed
to the place, and with the help of our dogs killed six of
them ; after \vhich the weather again overcasting, we
thought it to little purpose to go any farther at that
time, but resolved to hunt all along the side of that hill,
and so at night to return to our tent: going thus along
we killed six deer more, which he had no sooner
done, but it began to blow and rain, and to be very dark';
whereupon we hasted towards the tent, there intending to
refresh ourselves with victuals, and with rest for thaj
night, and the next day to renew our hunting. This pur-
pose of ours, was by the foul weather the next day pre*
vented, for it fell so black, so cold, and so windy, that wg
judged it no way fitting for our purpose. Lading our
own shallop, with the bears and venison we had killed,
and finding another shallop left by some other ship'a
company, we loaded that with the graves of the whale*',
that had been boiled this present year, which we found
in great quantities strewed upon the ground, and divided
ourselves into two equal companies; William Fakely with
one seaman, and two landmen with him, taking charge
cf one shallop, and myself, another seaman, and two
landmen, taking charge of tlic other : we thus com-
mitted ourselves to the sea, intending with the next fair
weather to go to Bell-Sound to our tent, which was the
place we intended to remain at during the winter.
To Bell-sound therefore we went, with a purpose there
to lay up the store of what provision we had already got
together, and with the ne^t fair wind lo come back again
to the place we now left, to try if it wore possible to pro-
vide ourselves with some more venibun for our winter
provision.
Jtluving thus lado);i both our shallops, appointed our
o o 2 company
&9t MIRA€1710^'S PRESERVATION.
^ompany^ and all ready for departure, we were over-
taken with darkness^ and there forced to stay for that
tiight. The next day was Sunday; wheaefore we thought
it fit to sanctify the rest of it, and to continue there till
Monday, and to make the best use we could of that good
day, taking the beat course we could for the serving God
Almighty ; although we had not a book among us all, or
found one the whole time we staid in the country.
The sabbath day being shut up by the approaching
night, we betook ourselves to rest, sleeping till the sun
awakened us, by beginning to shew himself upon the
jMonday morning. The day was no sooner peeped, but
we got up, fitting ourselves and business for departure;
the weather was fair and clear at first, but after four
bours rowing, the sky began to be overcast, and the wind
blew so hard, that we could not possibly get to BelU
^und that night, but coved half way, until the next
jnorning, at which time we recovered Bottle-Cove. To
which place, when we were once come, we found.ihe wind^
then at south-west, to blow so hard, that it was impossible
to reach Bell-Sound, but were forced to stay at Bottle-
Cove for that night. Our shallops we made fast one to
the other, with a rope fastening the head of one to the
stern of the other, and so casting ourgrabnell or anchor
overboard, we left them riding in the cove.
• But see now what a mischance, for the trial of our
patience, and for the making us to rely more upon his
providence, than upon any outward means of our own,
God now sufteved to befall us. We were all now on shore,
the south-west wind now blew so hard and right into the
cove, that it made the sea go so high ; our anchor also
coming home at the same time, both our shallops castjng
along the shore, sunk presently in the sea, wetting by this
means our whole provision ; the weather withal beating
some of It out of the boats, which we fo\md swimming up
♦ind
MIRACULOUS PRESEIIVATION.. CQS
and down the shore; for coming out of onr tent in the
mean time, judge what a sight this was to us, to see by
jnischunce, the best part of our provision (the only hope
of our lives) to be in danger utterly to belost^ or at least
spoiled with the sea water, and for which we had taken
such pains, and run such adventures in the getting. In
this distress we saw no way but one, and that very
desperate, namely, to run presently into the high-
tcroiight sea, getting by that means into our shallops,
to save the remainder of our provisions, ready now
to be washed away by the billows. A Halser there-
upon we got, which fastening unto our shallops, we
with a crabbe, or capstan, by main force of hand heaved
them out of the water upon the shore, this done, along
the sea side we go, seeking and taking up such of our
provision, as were swam away from our shallops. Having
by this means gleaned up all that could be gotten together,
we resolved from thenceforth to let our boats lie upon
the shore, till such time as the weather should prove fair
and better, and then go over to Bell-Sound.
The third of September, the weather proving favorable,
we forthwith launched our shallops into the water, and
got that day to Bell-Sound, thither as soon as we came,
our first business was, to take our provision out of our
shallops into the tent; our next, to take a particular view
of the place, and of the great tent especially, as being
the place of our intended habitation for the ensuing win-
ter. This which we called the great tent, was a kind of
house, built of timber very substantial, and covered with
Flemish tiles : by the men of which nation it had in the
time of their trading hither been built; itwas four score feet
in length, and fifty in breadth; its use was for the coopers,
employed for the service of the company to work, lodge,
and live in, during the time they are making the casks for
the barrelling up the train oil. Our view being taken,
we found the weather beginning to alter strangely, and
the
CfH MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
tlie nightSj and frosts, so to grow on us, that we durst not
adventure upon another voyage to Green-Harbour; tear-
ing the sound would be frozen, and that we should never
be able to get back to our tent again. By land it was,
v,e knew iu vain for us to think of returning, for the
country is so very mountainous, that there is no travelling
that way.
Things being at this pass with us, we bethought our-
selves of building another small lent with all expedition,
theplacemust of necessity be within the greatcrtent; with
our best wits therefore taking a view of the place, we re-
solved upon the southside, and began with taking down
another lesser tent (built for the use of the landmen hard
by the other, wherein they lodged whilst they made
the oil) from thence we brought the materials, which
furnished us with 150 deal boards, besides posts or
iitancheons 'and rafters; from three chimneys of the
furnaces, wherein they used to boil their oils, we brought
a thousand bricks, there also we found three hogsheads
or very fine lime, ofwhich we likewise fetched another hogs-
head from Bottle-Cove, on the other side of the sound, some
three leagues distant : minglino: this lime with the sand
of the sea shore, wc made very excellent mortar for the
laying of our bricks ; falling to work whereon, the wea-
ther was so extreme cold, as that we were fain to make
two fires to keep our mortar from freezing. AVilliani
Fakely and myself undertaking the masonry part, began
to raise a wall of one brick thickness, against the inner
planks of the side of the tent ; whilst we were laying the
bricks, the rest of our company were otherwise employed,
sonie in taking them down, others in making them clean,
and bringing them in baskets to the tent; some in making
mortar, and hewing of boards to build the other side, others
too in flaying our venison. Having built the two outer-
most sides of the tent with bricks and mortar, and our
bricks
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION. £f>5
bricks now almost spent, we were enforced to build the
ether two sides with boards, in the following manner.
First we nailed our deal-boards on one side of the poster
stancheon, to the thickness of one foot, and on the other
side in like manner ; and so filling up the hollow plact.*,
between with sand, it became so tight and warm, as not
the least breath of air could penetrate : our chimnev's
vent was into the greater tent, being the breadth of one
deal board, about four foot long. The length of this,
our tent was twenty foot, and the breadth sixteen ; the
height ten; our ceiling being deal boards five or six limes
double, the middle of one joining so close to the close of
the other, that no wind could possibly get between. As
for our door, besides our making it so close as possiblv
it would shut, we lined it with a bed which we found
lying there, and came over both the opening and shutting
of it ; for windows, we made none at all, so that our light
we brought in through the greater tent, b}' removing two
or three tiles in the eaves, which light came to us through
the vent of our chimney. Our next work was to set up
£our cabins, billetting ourselves two and two in a cabin ;
our beds were the deer's skins dried, which we found to be
extraordinary warm, and a very comfortable lodging to
us in our distress. Our next care then was for firing to
xlrcss our meat, and for keeping away the cold. Ex-
aming therefore, all the shallops that had been left ashore
there by the slii[)s, we found se\^n of them very crazy,
^nd not serviceable for the next year. Those we made-
bold with, broke them up, and carried them into our.
house, stowing them over the beams in manner of a floor ;
intending also to stow the rest of our firing over them
so to make the outer tent the warmer, and to keep the
snow from drifting through the tiles into the tent ; which
snow would otherwise have covered every thing, and have
hindered us from coining to what we wanted.
When
igG MlRACrLOUS PRESERVATtO*,'
When the weather was now grown cold, and the days
short, (or rather no days at all) we began to stave some
empt}^ casks that were left there the year before, to the
quantityof one hundred ton at least; we also made use of
Some planks and of two old coolers, (wherein they cooled
their oil), and whatever we thought might be spared
without damnifying the next year's voyage. Having got
together all the firing that we possibly could make, ex-
cept we should make spoil of the shallops and cooler^
that were there, which might easily have overthrown the
next year's voyage, to the great liinderance of the wor-
shipful company, whose servants we being, were every
way careful of their profit. Comparing therefore thd
small quantity of our wood, together with the coldness
of the weather, and the length of time that we were like-
ly to abide, we cast about to husband our stock as thriftily
as we could, devising to try a new conclusion : onr trial
was this, when we raked up our fire at night, with a good
quantity of ashes and embers, we put into the midst of it
a piece of elm-wood, where after it had lain about six-'
teen hours, we at our opening of it found great store
of fire upon it, whereupon we made a common practice
of it ever after. It never went out in eight months to-*
gether, or thereabouts.
Having thus provided both our house and firing, uport-
the l'2th of September a small quantity of drift ice came
driving to and fro in the sound. Karly in the morn*
iug therefore we arose, and looking every where abroad^
we at last espied t\?o sea-horses lying asleep upon a
piece of ice ; presently thereupon taking up an old
harping iron that lay in the tent, and fastening a grapnel,
rope to it, we launched out our boat to row towards them ;
and coming something near, we perceived them still
isleep, and 1 steering, bid the rowers to hold still their
oarS;, for feai. ef awaking them wfith the crashing of the
ice J'
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION. GO}'
ice; and I skulling the boat easily along, came so near at
length to them, that the shallops even touched one , at
which instant William Fakely being ready with his harp-
ing iron, heaved it so strongly into the old one, that he
quite disturbed her of her rest; after which she receiving
five or six thrusts with our lances, fell into a sounder
sleep of Death. Thus having dispatched the old one,
the younger being loath to leave her dam, continued
swimming so long about our boat, that with our lances
we killed her also. Hauling them both alter this into the
boat, we rowed ashore, flayed our sea-horses, cut them
in pieces, to roast and eat them; the J 9th of the same
month; we saw other sea-horses, sleeping in like manner
upon several pieces of ice, but the weather being cold,
they designed not to sleep so much as before; and there-
fore we could kill but one of them, of which being right
glad, we returned again to our tent.
The nights at this time, and the cold weather increased
50 fast upon us, that we were out of all hope of getting
any more food, before the next spring; our only hopes
where, to kill a bear now and then, that might by chance
wander that way. The next day therefore taking an ex-
acter survey of our stock of provision, and finding our
proportion too small by half, for our time and company,
we agreed among ourselves to come to allowance, that is,
to stint oui'Selves to one reasonable meal a day, and to
keep Wednesdays, and Fridays fasting days, excepting
from the frittars or graves of the whale, (a very loathsome
meat) of which we allowed ourselves sufiicient to satisfy
our present hunger; and at this diet we continued some
three months, or thereabouts.
Having by this time finisheil v, hatcver we possibly could
invent for our preservation in that desolate place, our
clothes and shoes also, were worn and tore to pieces ;
\ <jl. H. J" P and
§98 MIRACULCUS PKESERVATION.
and we must of necessity invent some new device for their
reparation. Of rope-yarn therefore, we made us thread,
and of whale-bones needles to sew our clothes and shoes.
The nights began to be very long, and by the 10th of Octo-
ber the cold so violent, that the sea was frozen ovci^
which had been enough to have daunted the most assured
resolution. At which time our business being over, and
nothing now to exercise our minds upon; our heads began
then to be troubled with a thousand sorts of imaginations.
Tlien had we leisure (more than enoi^gh) to complain
ourselves of our present most miserable condition. Then
had we time to bewail our Avives and children at home;
jind to imagine what news our unfortunate miscarriages
must needs be to them. Then thought we of our parents
also, and what a cutting corrosive it would be to them, to
hear of the untimely death? of their children. Other
times again, we revive ourselves with some comfort, that
our iViends might take, in hoping it would please God to
preserve us, untill the next year. Sometimes did we vary
our griefs; complaining one while of the cruelly of our
master, that would leave us to these distresses; and then
presently again we fell, not only to excuse him, but to
lament both \ntx\ and his company, fearing they had been
overtaken by t:he ice, .^nd miser?ibly that wa}' perished.
Thus tormented in mind with our doubts, our fears,
and our griefs, and iri our bodies with hunge% cold, and
wants, that hideous monster of desperation, began no^v
to present his ugliest shape unto us; he now pursued us
— he now laboured to seize upon iis. Thus finding our-
selves in a labyrinth, as it were, of a perpetual misery,
we tliought it not best to give too much way to our griefs ;
fearing they also would, most of all, have wrought upon
©ur weakness. Our prayers we now redoubled unto the
Almighty
Miraculous preservation?. 29<J
Almighty, for strength and patience, in these our mise-
ries; and the Lord graciously listened unto us, and granted
these our petitions. By his assistance therefore, we shook
off these thoughts, and cheered up ourselves again, to use
the best means for our preservation. Now therefore, we
began to think of our venison, and of preserving it; and
how to order our firing in this cold weather : for fear
therefore our firing should fail us at the end of" the year,
we thought it best, to roast every day half a deer, and to
stow it in hogsheads, which we now put in practice, and
soon filled three hogsheads,leaving so much raw, as would
serve to roast every sabbath-day a quarter ; and ao for
Christmas-day and the like. This conclusion being made
among us, then fell we again to bethink us of our miseries
both passed and to come : and how, though it pleased
God to give us life, yet we lived as banished men, not
only from our friends, but from all other company. Next
we thouglit of the pinching cold, and of the pining hun-
ger : these were our thoughts, this our discourse to pnss
away the time, but as if all this misery had been too lit-
tle, we presently found another increase of it ; for examin-
ing our provision once more, we found that all our Frit-
tars of the whale were almost spoilt with the wet they had
taken; after which by lying so close together, they were
now grown mouldy: and our bear and veuison we per-
ceived again not to amount to ^uch a quantity, as to allow
ns five meals a week ; whereupon we were fain to shorten
Our stomachs of one meal more; so that for the space of
three months after that, we for four days in the week fed
upon the unsavory and mouldy frittars, and the other
three, we feasted it with bear and venison. Birt as if it
were not enough for us to want meat, we now began to
want light also, all our meals proved suppers now; for
Utile light could we ;ee; even the glorious sun, (as if un-
p p 2 willing
300 MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
willing to behold our miseries) masking his lovely face
from us, under the sable veil of coal-black night. Thus
frona the 14th of October, till the 3d of February, we
never saw the sun; nor did he all that time, so much as
ever peep above the horizon. But the moon we saw at
all times, day and night (when the clouds obscured her
not,) shining as bright as in England. The sky, tis true
is very much troubled with thick and black weather all
the winter time; so that we could not see the moon so
well at all times, or discern, what point of the compass
she bore upon us. A kind of day-light we had indeed,
which glimmered some eight hours a day unto us; in Oc-
tober time I mean; for from thence until the 1st of De-
cember, even that light was shortened ten or twelve mi-
nutes a day constantly: so that from the 1st of December
till the 20th there appeared no light at all, but all was
one continued night. AW that we could perceive was,
that in a clear season now and then, there appeared a lit-
tle glare of white, like some show of day towards the
south ; but no light at all. And this continued till the
1st of January, by which time we might perceive the day
a little to increase. All this darksome time, no certainty
could we have when it should be day, or when night;
only myself out of my own little judgment, kept the ob-
servation of it thus. First bearing in mind the number
of the epact, I made my addition by a day supposed,
(though not absolutely to be known by reason of the
darkness) by this [judged the age of the moon ; and this
gave me my rule of passing the time; so that at the com-
ing.of the ships into the port, T told them the day of the
month as directly as ihey themselves could tell me. At
the beginning of this darksome, irksome time, we sought
some means of preservinsr lioht amonii; us : findins: there-
fore a piece of sheet-lead over a seam of one of the
coolers.
MIRACULOUS PEESEEYATION. 301
coolers^ we rirpt it off and made three lamps of it; which
maintaining with oil that we found in the coopers tent
and rope yarn serving us instead of candleuicks, we kept
them continually burning; and this was a great comfort
to us in our extremity. Thus did we our best to preserve
ourselves; but all this could not secure us: for we in our
own thoughts, accounted ourselves but dead men; and
that our tent was then our darksome dungeon, and we
did but wait our trial by our Judge, to know whether we
should live or die. Our extremities being so many, made
us in impatient speeches to break forth against the causers
of our miseries: but then again, our consciences telling
us of our own evil deservings, we took it either for a
punishment upon us, for our former wicked lives, or else
for an example of God's mercy, in our wonderful deliver
ranee; and humbling ourselves therefore under the migh-
ty hand of God, we cast down ourselves in prayer, two
or three times a day, which course we constantly held all
the time of our misery.
The new year now begun, and as the dai/s hegan to
hngtJitn, so the cold began to strengthen ; which cold
came at last to that extremity, as that it would raise blisters
in our flesh, as if we had been burnt with fire; and if we
touched iron at any time, it would stick to our fingers
like bird-lime. Sometimes if we went but out of tlie
door to fetch in a little water, the cold would nip us in
such sort, that it made us as sore as if we had been beaten
in some cruel manner. All the first part of the vvinter
we found water under the ice, that lay upon the bacht
on the sea-shore. Which water issued out of a high bay,
or cliff of ice, and ran into the hollow of the bache, there
remaining with a thick ice over it; which ice, we at one
certain place daily digging through with pick-axes, took
as much water as served for our drinking.
This continued until the 10th of January, and then
we were fain to make shift with snow-water, which we
melted
502 MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
melted by putting hot irons into it; and this was onr
drink until the 20th of May following. By the end of
January the days were grown to seven or eight hours
long; and then we again took another view of our vic-
tuals, which we now found to grow so short, that it would
no way last us above six weeks longer. And this bred a
further fear of famine among us. But our recourse was
in this, as in other extremities, unto Almighty God,
who had helps we knew, though we saw no hopes ; and
thus spent we our time until the 3d of February, which
proved a marvellous cold day; yet a fair and clear one,
about the middle whereof, all clouds now quite dispersed,
and night's sable curtain drawn; Aurora with her golden
face smiled once again upon us, at her rising out of her
bed ; for now the glorious Sun with his glittering beams,
began to gild the highest tops of the lofty mountains.
The brightness of the sun, and the whiteness of the
snow, both together was such, as that it was able to have
revived even a dying spirit. But to make a new addition
to our new joy, we perceived two bears (a she one with her
cub) now coming towards our tent; whereupon we
straight arming ourselves with our lances, issued out of
the tent to await her coming; she soon cast her greedy
eyes upon us ; and with full hope of devouring us, she
made the more haste unto us; but with our hearty lances
we gave her such a welcome, as that she fell down on the
ground, tumbling up and down, biting the snow for very
anger. Her cub seeing this, by flight escaped us. The
weather now was so cold, that longer we were not able
to stay abroad ; retiring therefore into our tent, we first
warmed ourselves, and then out again to draw the dead
bear in unto us. We flayed her, cut her into pieces of a
stone weight or thereabouts, one of which served us for
our dinner; and upon this hear we fed some twenty days,
for ihe was very good ilcsh, and better than our venison
This
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION. oOS
This only mischance we had with her, that upon the
eating of her Hver, our skins peeled off. For mine own
pari, I being sick before, by eating of that liver, though I
lostmy skin, yet recovered I my health upon it. She being
spent, either we must seek some other meat, or else fall
aboard with our roast venison in the cask, which we were
very loth to do, for fear of famishing, lest that should
he exhausted before tlie fleet arrived from England.
Amidst these our fears, it pleased God to send divers bears
into our tent; some forty at least, as we accounted. Of
which number we killed seven ; on the 2d of March one,
the 4th another; and on the 10th a wonderful great bear,
six foot high at least. All which we flayed, and roasted
upon wooden spits (having no better kitchen furniture
than that, and a frying-pan which we found in the tent.)
They were as good savoury meat, as any beef could be.
Having thus gotten good store of such food, we kept
not ourselves now to such straight allowance ; but eat fre-
quently two or three meals a-day, which began to in-
crease strength and ability of body in all of us.
By this, the chearful days so fast increased, that tlie
several sorts oflbwls, which had all the winter time avoid-
ed those quarters, began now again to resort thither, unto
their summer-abiding. The l6th of March, one of our two
mastiff" dogs went out of the tent from us in the morn-
ing ; but from that da^^ he never rcmrnod to us, nor
could we hear what was become of him. The fowls llmt
1 before spoke of, constantly use every spring time to re-
sort into that coast, being used to breed there most abun-
dantly. Their food is a certain kijid of small fish. Year-
ly upon the abuiuhmt coining of these fowls, tlie foxes
which had all the winter kept their burrows under the
rocks, begin to come abroad, and seek for their livings.
For them we set up three traps, like rat-traps, and bailed
theiii witli tli<j skins of these fowls, which we had found
upon
S04 MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
upon tlie snow^ they falling their in there flight from the
hill, wheieupon they breed, towards the sea; for this
fowl being about the size of a duck, hath her legs placed
so close unto her rump, as that when they alight once
npon the land, they are very rarely (if ever) able to get
up again, by reason of the misplacing of their legs, and
the weight of their bodies; but being in the water, they
raise themselves with their pinions well enough. After
we had made these traps, and set them apart one from
another, in the snow, we naught fifty foxes in them ; all
which we roasted, and found very good meat of them ;
then took we a bear's skin, and laj'ing the flesh-side up-
ward, we made springs of whale-bone, wherewith we
caught about sixty of those fowls, about the size of a
pigeon.
Thus continued we until the 1st of May, and the wea-
ther then growing warm, we were now pretty able to go
abroad to seek for more provision. Every day therefore
abroad we went, but nothing could we encounter until the
24lb, whenespyinga buck, we thought to have killed him
with our dog; but he was grown so fat and lazy, that he
could not pull down the deer. Seeking further out therefore,
we found abundance of zcillock's eggs ; (which is a fowl
about the bigness of a duck) of which eggs though there
were great store, yei we being but two of us together,
brought but thirty of them to the ten that day, thinking
the next day to fetch a thousand more of them ; but the
day proved so cold, with an easterly wind, that we could
not stir out of our tent.
Staying al home therefore upon the 25ih of May, we
for that day omitted our ordinary custom, our order of
late (since the lair weather) was, every day or every se-
cond day, to go up to the top of u mountain, to spie if
we could discern the water in the sea, break the main ice
rtitliin the Sound, which until the day -before, we had
not
MTRACLLOUS PRESERVATION. 305
not seen. At which time, a storm of wind coming out
of the sea broke the ice^ and the wind coming easterly,
carried all the ice into the sea, and cleared the Sound a
great way ; although not near the shore at firsts seeing
the clear water came not near our tent by three miles at
least.
This 25th of Ma}' therefore, we all day staying in the
lent, there came two ships of Hull into the Sound; who
knowing that there had been men left there the year bt—
fore, the master (full oi" desire to know whether we were
alive or dead) manned out a shallop from the ship, with
order to row as far up the sound as they could, and then
to hawl up their shallop, and travel over-land upon the
snow unto the tent. These men at their cominp- ashore,
found the shallop which we had hauled from our tent into
the water, with a purpose to go seek s6uie sea-horses the
next fair weather ; the shallop being then already fitted
with all necessaries for that e'nterprize. This sight
brought them into a quandary; and though this encoun-
ter made them hope, yet their admiration made them
doubt, that it was not possible for us to remain alive
Taking therefore our lances out of the boat, towards
the tent they come; we never so much as perceiving of
them, for we were all gathered together, now about to
go to prayers in the inner tent, only Thomas Ayers wa5
not yet come in to us out of the greater tent; the Hull men
now coming near our tent, hailed it with the usual word
of the sea, crying Hey! he answered again with Ho!
which sudden answer almost amazed them all, causing
them to stand still, half afraid at the matter. But we with-
in hearing of them, Jovfully came out of the tent; all
black as we were with the smoak, and with our clothes all
tattered with wearing so long. This uncouth sight made
them further amazed at us; but perceiving us to be the
very men left there, all the year, with jayfi<ii hearts they
Vol. H. q q embraced
S06 MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION.
embraced us ; and we thera in return : they came into
our tent where we shewed them the courtesy of the house,
and gave tlieni such victuals as we liad ; which was veni-
son roasted four months before^ and a cup of cold water,
which for novelt3''s sake they kindly accepted of us.
Then fell we to ask them, whatnefti's? and of the state
of the land at home? and when the London fleet would
come ? to all which, they returned us the best answers
they could.
Agreeing then to leave the lent, witii tliem we went to
their shallop, and so a-board the ship; where we were
welcomed after the heartiest and kindest English manner;
and there we stayed ourselves until the coming of the
London fleet, which we much longed for: hoping b}' theni
to hear from our friends in Englund. We were told that
they would be there next day ; but it was full throe days
ere they came, which seemed to us as tedious 'a three
da3^s as any we had yet endured ; so much we now de*
sired to hear from our friends, our wives, and children.
The-GSth of May, the London fleet came into the port
lQ;Onr great comfort, a-board the admiral we went, unto
the right noble Captain \'\'illiam Goodler, who is worth\'
to be honoured b}' every sciiman for his courtesy and
bounty. This is the gentleman that is every year chief
cO'mmander of thii> fleet; and right worthy feo to be, being
a wise man, and an expert mariner as any in England.
Utito this gentleiman right welcbme we were; and joy-
fully by him received: he giving order, that we should
have any thing that was in the ship, that might do us
go6^d, and increase our strength; of his own charge giv-
ing us appaVel also, to the value of twenty pounds.
Thus after fourteen da3-s of refreshment, we grew per-
fectly V. ell all of us ; whereupon'the noble captain sent
William Fakely , and John Wyse, (Mason's own appren-
tice) and Thomas Ayers the whale cutter, with Kobert
Goodfellow,
MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION. 307
Goodfellow, unto Master INlasoii's ship, according as them-
selves desired. But thinking there to be as kindlj wel-
comed as tlie lost prodigal, these poor men, after their
enduring so much misery, (which through his means part-
ly tliey had undergone) no sooner came they on board
his shij), but he most unkindly called them ^' RunaKni/s,"
with other harsh unchristian terms, far enough from the
civility of an honest man. — Noble Captain Goodler un-
derstanding all these passages, was right sorry for them,
resolving to send for them again, but that the weather
proved so bad and uncertain. I for my own part remained
with the Captain still at Bottle Cove, according to my
own desire : as for the rest that staid with him, he prefer-
red the landsmen to row in the shallops for the killing of
the wdiales; freeing them thereby from their toilsome la-
bour on shore, bettering their means besides, and all these
favours did this worthy gentleman for us.
Thus were we well contented now to stay there till the
COth of August, hoping then to return to our native coun-
try : which day of departure being come, and we embark-
ed, with joyful hearts we set sail through the foaming
ocean, and though crossed sometimes with contrary winds
homeward bound ; yet olu" proper ships at last came safely
to an anchor in the River Thames, to our great joy and
comfort, and the merchants benefit. And thus by the
blessing of God came we all eigiit of us well home, safe
and sound; where the Vvorshiplul company our masters,
the Muscovic merchants, have since dealt wonderi'iilly
well by us.. For ail which most merciful preservation,
and most wonderfully powerful deliverance, all honor,
praise, and glory be unto ttie ■ijreat God, the sole a^;thor
of it, and grant us to make the right use of it.
Amen !
Q q Q Extraordinary'
( 308 )
'Extraordinary Execution of the Mayor of Bodmin, iti
Cornwall, by Sir William Kingston, in the Reign
of Edward /Ae Vlf^.
A REBELLION happening in the reign of King
Edward VL upon the alteration of reliii:ion, and the
rebels being defeated, what shameful spwt did Sir Wil-
liam Kingston make with men in misery, by virtue of his
office of Provost Marshal ! One Bovvyer, Mayor of Bod-
win, in Cornwall, had been amon^;; the rebels not wil-
lingly, but by constraint. Sir William sent him word he
would dine with him on such a day, for whom the Mayor
made a hospitable entertainment. A little before dinner,
the Provost took the Mayor aside, and whispered in his
ear, ' That there must be an execution that afternoon ;'
and therefore ordered him to cause a gallows to be set up
over against his own door. The Mayor obeyed his
command ; and, after dinner, the Provost took the AJayor
by the hand, and desired him to Itad him to the place of
execution ; which, when he beheld, he asked the Mayor,
" If he thought it was strong enough." ' '^ Yes," says the
INIayor, " doubtless it is." " Well then,'"' said Sir Wil-
liain, "^ get up and try, for it is provided for you." " I
hope. Sir/' said the Mayor, "■ you are not in earnest ?'
" By luy troth," says the Provost, " there is no remedy,
for \'ou have been a busy rebel ;" and so, without delay
or liberty to make his defence, the poor Mayor was exe-
cuted. Near that place also lived a miller, who had been
very active in the rebellion, and, fearing the Provost's
coming, told a stout young fellow, his servant, that he
had occasion to go from home, and therefore willed him,
if any gentleman should come a fishing in his absence^
and inquire for him, " He should tell them himself was
the miller, and ready to serve them." The Provosl not
long after came, and, asking for the miller^ out came the
servant.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEATH-WATCH. 309
servant, saying, " Sir^ I am the miller ;" upon which the
Provost commanded his servants to seize him, " and hang
him upon the next tree." The poor fellow hearing this,
cried out, '* I am not thd miller, but the miller's ser-
vant." " Nay, friend," says the Provost, " I will take
thee at thy word. If thou art the miller, thou art a busy-
knave and a rebel, and deservest to be hanged. If thou
art not the miller, thou art a false lyi<'.g knave, and canst
not do thy master better service than to hang for him j**
pnd so, without more edo, he was executed.
^ curious Description and Explanation of the Death
Watch, so comnionlij listened to zcith such dread.
Among the many natural causes that operate on weak
minds, nothing is more common tlian what is generally
called a death walch ; and is vulgarly believed wherever it
is heard, that some of the family must die in a short time
after, which is a ridiculous fancy, crept into vulgar heads,
and employed to terrify and aftVight people, as a monitor
of approaching death ; and, therefore, to prevent such
causeless fears, I shall take this opportunity to undeceive
the world, by showing what it is, and that no such thing is
intended by it. Ithas obtained thenameof adeath watch,
by making a little clinking noise, like a watch ; which
giving some dibturbance to a gtntlcman in his chamber,
who was not to be alTnghied with vulgar errors, it tempted
him to a diligent search after the true cause of this noise,
which be pleased to take in his own words. " I have
been," says he, *' some time since accompanied with this
litlle noise. One evening above the rest I sat down by a
table from whence the noise proceeded, and laid my
watch upon the same, and perceived, to my admiration,
that the sound made by this invisible automaton was
louder than that of the artificial machine. Its vibrations
would
510 DESCRIPTION OF THE DEATH-WATCH.
would fall as regular, but withal quicker, which, upon a
strict inquiry, was found to be nothing but a little beetle
or spider in the wood of the box. Sometimes they are
found in the plastering of a wall, and at other times in a
rotten post, or in some old chest or trunk, and the noise
is made by beating its head on the subject that it finds
fit for sound." The little animal that I found in August,
3695, says Mr. Benjamin Allen, was about two lines and
a half long, calling a line the eighth part of an inch ; tlie
colour was a dark brown, with spots, some lighter, irre-
gularly placed, which could not easily be rubbed off,
which the gentleman above named observed, with its
whole composure and shape, by a microscope, and sent
the whole relation of it to the publisher of the Philoso-
phical Transactions of the Royal Societ3\ Some people,
governed by common reports, have fancied this petit
animal a spirit, sent to admonish them of their deaths ;
and, to uphold the fancy, tell you of other strange moni-
tors altogether as ridiculous ; for, though I do not deny
but that, in some particular cases, God Almighty may
employ unusual methods to warn us of our approaching
ends, yet ordinarily such common and unaccountable
talk is nonsense, and depends more upon the fancy, kept
up by a delight in telling strange things than any thing
else. It is all one to a good man, whether he has a
summons or not, for he is always ready either with or
without it.
TO THE EDITOR OF KIRBY S SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sir,
"Reading a very remarkable trial that took place in the King's Bench, page
2*7, of your second volume, resjjecting Mr. Robert Booty, at Stromboli,
though so very singular, is not the only occurrence that happened at
that place. I here send you a well-authenticated history of a circum-
stance, respecting a Mr. Gresliam, a Merchant, of London, whjo
touched
REMARKABLE TRIAL IN THE KINg's BENCH. 311
touched at Stromboli, in his passage from Palermo, this being so nearly
connected with your foimer account, I make no doubt will find an early
insertion, and remain ,
Sir,
Your constant reader,
St. James's Street, \V, R.
June 8, .1804.
JVlR. GRESHAM, an eminent merchant in London,
being homeward bound from Palermo in Sicily, where at
that time lived tiie rich Antonio, who had 1 wo kingdoms
in Spain mortgaged to him at one time by his Catholic
Majesty, the wind being against them, the ship in which
Mr. Gresham sailed came to an anchor to leeward of
Stromboli, one of the Lipari Islands in the Tyrrhenian
Sea, on the north of Sicily, where is a mountain that
casts forth flames of sulphur in some places of it con-
tinually. About noon, the mountain generally ceasing
to throw out flames, Mr, Gresham, accompanied with
eight sailors, ascended it, and went as near the orifice as
danger would permit them, where, among other frightful
noises, they heard a loud voice pronounce the following
words, " Make haste, make haste, the rich Antonio is
coming ;" at which, being in a great consternation, they
hastened a-board, and the mountain beginning, in a
horrible manner, to vomit fire, they weighed ; and the
wind continuing in the same quarter, made the best of
their way back again to Palermo, and enquiring after
Antonio, they found that he died, as near as they could
calculate, at the same instant they heard the voice at
Stromboli say, " he was coming." Mr. Gresham, safely
arriving in England, made this surprising accident known
to King Henry VIII. and the seamen being called before
him, attested the truth of it by their oaths; whicii made
such a sensible impression upon Mr. Gresham's mind,
that he quickly gave over merchandizing, made a distri-
bution of his estate, which was verv considerable, among
hi.s
gi2 EXTRAORDINARY CLOCK AT STRASBOURG.
his relations, and to pious and generous uses, reserving
only a competency for himself, and then spent the re-
mainder of his days in the exercise of piety and de-
votion.
EXTRAORDINARY CLOCK AT STRASBOURG.
Coryat, the celebrated traveller, in the reign of James the First, when at
Strasbourg, in Germany, was particnlaily sm"prised with the extra-
oidinary Workmanship of the Clock th^t ornaments the Cathedral of
that place, and has taken great care in the Description, as well as to
procure a correct representation, of so singrular a curiosity. Some
abridged and inaccurate accounts of this Wonderful Piece of Mechanism,
having been obtruded on the public, we shall deliver its true description,
in the words of Coryat himself. The accompanying plate is an accurate
copy, from the dravfring Coryat procured to ornametit hrs account.
IHIS curious Piece of Workmanship stahdeth at the
south side of the church, near to the door.' A true figure
or representation whereof, made according to — form itself,
as it htandeth at this day in the church, I have expressed
in tliis place. Trul}' it is a fabric so extraordinary rare
and artificial, that I am confidently persuaded it is the
most exquisite piece of work of that kind in all Europe.
I think I should not commit any great error, if I should
sa}', in all the world. The bolder I am to affirm it, be-
cause I have heard very famous travellers (such as have
seen this clock, and most of the principal things of
Cliristendom) report the same. It was begun to be built
in the year 1.571, in the month of June, by a most ex-
cellent Architect and Mathematician, of the cit}' of
.Strasbourg, who was then alive when I was there ; his
name is Conradus Dasjpodius, once the ordinary pro-
fessor of the Mathematics in the University of this city.
A man that, for his excellent art, may very fitly be called
the Archimedes of Strasbourg; and it was ended about,
three years after, even in the year 15/4, in the i>anie
month of June^p-abont the feast of St. John Baptist. This
work
WcOtt ^
EXTRAORDINARY CLOCK AT STRASBOURG. 313
work containeth^ by my estimation, about fifty foot ia
height, betwixt the bottom and the top. It is compassed
in with three several rails, to the end to exclude all per-
sons, that none may approach near it to disfigure any
part of it, whereof the two outmost are made of timber,
the third of iron, about three yards liigh. On the left
hand of it there is a very ingenious and methodical ob-
servation for the knowing of the eclipses of the sun and
moon, for thirty-two years. At the top whereof is writ-
ten, in fair Roman letters :
Tj/pl Ec/ipsium
So I is ft J AUKS,
Jd Annos xxxii.
On the same hand ascendeth a very fair architectorical
machine, made of wainscot, with great curiosity, the
sides being adorned with [)retty little pillars of marble,
of divers colours, in which are three degrees, whereof
each containeth a fair statue of carved wainscot : the
first, the statue of Urania, one of the nine Muses, about
which her name is written in gold letters ; and, by the
sides, these two words, in the like golden letters, Arith-
metica and Gcometria. The second, the picture of a
certain King, with a regal sceptre in his hand. But
what King it is, [ know not: above him is written
Daniel, '2 chap. The last is the picture of Nicholaus
Copernicus, that rare vXstronomcr, under whom is written,
in fair Roman letters : 'Skholui Copcrn'ui vera cjjigks ex
ipsius yJutographo dcpicta.
At the very top of this row, or series of work, is erected
a most excellent eiiigie of a cotk, which doth, passing
curiosity, represent the living sh;»pe of Lliat vocal crea-
ture ; and it crowcth at certain hour-, yielding as shrill
and loud ;i voice as a natural cock. Yea, and such a
Yiud of s(Hnul (whicli in;iki th it n\orc admirable) as
Vui ][. IX r cuunterfoiteiU
314 EXTRAORDINARY CLOCK AT STRASBOURG.
counterfeiteth very near the true voice of that bird; the
hours of which are eleven of the clock in the morning,
and three in the afternoon. It was my chance to hear
him at the third hour in the afternoon, whereat I won-
dered as much as I should have done, if I had seen that
famous wooden pigeon o^ Jrckitas Tarentimts, the Philo-
s(5pher, (so much celebrated by the ancient historians,)
fly in the air. On the right hand also of this goodly
Architect, there is another row of building, correspondent
to the foresaid in height, but differing from it in form. —
For the principal part thereof consisteth of a pair of
winding stairs, made of free stone, and most delicately
composed. I could not perc<^ive for what use they serve,
so that I conjecture they are made especially for orna-
ment. Again, in the middle work, betwixt these two
notable rows that I have now described, is erected that
incomparable fabrick wherein the clock standeth. At
the lower end whereof, just about the middle, I observed
the greatest astronomical globe that ever I saw, whxh is
supported with an artificial pelican, W'ounding his breast
with his beak ; wherewith they typically represent Christ,
who was wounded for the salvation and redemption of
the world; and about the midst, goeth a compass of
brass, which is sustained with very elegant little turned
pillars. Opposite unto which is a very large sphere,
beautified with many cunning conveyances and witty
inventions. .Directly above that standeth another orb,
which, with a needle, (this is a mathematical term,
signifying a certain instrument about a clock,) pointeth
at four hours onl}', that are figured at the four corners,
thus : 1. 2. 3. 4. each figure at a sevenil corner. At the
sides of the orb, two angels are represented, whereof the
one holdeth a mace in his liand, with which he striketh
a brjisen serpent every hour; and iuird by flic same
standeth a death's head, finely resembled : the other,
an
EXTRAORDINAKY CLOCK AT STRASBOURG. 315
«ri hour-glass, which he moveth likewise hourly. Nota-
able objects tending to mortification. Both the lower
ends of this middle engine are very excellently grticed
with the portraiture ol two huge lions, carved in marble.
This part of the third fabrick, wherein standeth the
clock, is illustrated with many notable sentences of the
Holy Scripture, written in Latin. As In principio creuit
Deus calumet tcrram. Gene. 1. cap. Oynnis caro /ie-
vum, Pet. 1. cap. 1. Peccati Uipeiidium mors est, Rom. 6.
Dei doHiim vita eteniaper Christum. Rom. 6. Ascoidisti
in altum, cepisti captiutatem. Psal. 68. Again, under
the same_, are written these sentences, in a lower de^-ree :
JEcce ego creo calos Jioxos et terrain novam. Esaice 65.
ILx pergriscimifii et Icztamird qui habitat is in palv&re.
Esa. 26. Venite baicdicti patris mci, possidcte regnum
vobis paration. Discedite a rne maledicti in i<rncm atur-
inim. Math. 25. Above thesie sentences divers goodly
arms are advanced, and beautified with fair escutchens.
Under the same many curious pictures are drawn, which
present only histories of the Bible. Again, above that
orb which I have already mentioned, there is erected
another orb, or sphere, wherein are figured the hours
distinguishing time, and a great company of Mathema-
tical conceits, which do decypher some of the most ab-
struse and secret mysteries of the noble science of Astro-
nomy. Likewise, another orb standeth above this that I
last speak of, within the which is expressed the fjo-ure of
an half moon, and many glittering stars, set forth most
gloriously in gold; and again, without are formed four
half moons, and two full moons. Above the higher part
of this orb this impress is written : Qua est tarn illustris,
similes aurora pulera ut Lu?ia, purd lit Sol. At the sides
■of it, beneath this pocsie, is vaitten, which is thus dis-
tributed : — Dominus lux tnea, on the left hand ; and, on
the right hand. Quern timtbo '/ Also, above the same orb,
R r I observed
3] 5 extraordinahy clock at strAsbouegt.
I observed another exquisite device, even seven little
pretty bells of brass, (as I conceived it) standing together
in one rank, and another little bell, severally by itself,
above the rest. Within the same is contrived a certain
vacant, or hollow place, wherein stand certain artificial
men, so ingeniously made that I have not seen the like.
These do come forth at every quarter of an hour, with a
very delightful and pleasant grace, holding small ham-
mers in iheir hands, wherewith they strike these foresaid
bells, every one in order, altcrnh vicibaSj, and supply each
other with a pretty diligence and decorum, in this quar-
terly function. Under the place where these two men
do strike those foresaid bells, these two sacred emblems
are written : Ecc/esia Christl exulans : and, Serptns An-
iiquiis Antichrist us. The highest top of tliis fabrick is
framed with such surpassing curiosity, that it yieldeth a
wonderful ornament to the whole engine, having many
excellent little portraitures and fine devices contrived
therein, of free stone, and garnished with borders and
works of singular art. Moreover, the corners of this
.middle work arc decked with very beautiful little pillars,
c<i£ .ash-coloured marble, whereof there stand two in a
-place; those above square, those beneath round. Thus
iiavc I, something superficial!}', described unto thee this
-fsimous Clock of Strasbourg, being the Phoenix of all the
iCio.cJvS of Christendom. For it doth as far excel all
-jQ^hef Clocks that ever I saw before, as of the Piazza of
^St. Mark's, in Venice, which I have already mentioned,
that of Middleborough, in Zekuid, which I after saw, and
all others, generally as far (I say) as a fair young lady,
of the age of eighteen years, that hath been very elejjantly
;bfought up. in the trimming of her beauty, doth a homely
.and coarse trull of the country, or a rich orient pearl,
>,rueau piece of amber.
... J. curious
C 317 ) "
-4 curious Receipt and Expenditure on the Exhibition of
a Pla?/ taken from an old Churchaarden's Book belonif-
ing to the Parish of Basingborne, Cambridgeshire.
Memorandum. Received at the Play held ou St,
Margarets-day A. D. MDXI in Basingborn of the holy
Martyr St. George.
Received of the Township of Royston I2s. TharfieM
6s. Sd. Melton 5s. 4d. Llllington lOs. 6'd. Whaddon 4s.
4d. Steeplemenden 4s. Barly 4s. id. Ashwell 4s. Abinodoii
r,s. 4d. Orwell 3s. Wendy Cs. gd. Wimpole '2s. 7d. Mel-
dreth 2s. 4d. Arlington Gs. 4d. Shepreth 2s. 4d. Kelsey Ss.
5d. Willington Is. lOd. Fulmer Is. 8d. Gilden Mordeii
Is* Tadlow is. Croydon Is. id. Hattey lOd. W'ratlino-.
>vorth Qd. Hastingfield 9d. Barkney 8d. Poxten 4d.
Kneesworth 6d.
item received of the Town of Baslngborn on the Mon-
day and Friday after the play together with other comers
on the Monday 14s. 5d.
Item received on the Wednesday after the play with a
pot of ale at Kneesworth all costs deducted Is. 7d.
Expences of the said play
First paid to the Garnement Man for Garncments and
Propyrts and playbooks 20s.
To a Mynstrel and three Waits of Cambridge for the
Wednesday, Satnrday and Monday Two of them the first
day and Three the other days 5s, 1 id.
Item in expences on the Players, when the Plav wa-i
shewed, in bread and ale and for other Viitails at Rov-
ston for those Players 3s. 2d.
Item in expences on the Playday for the bodies of six
Sheep 22d. each ys. 2d.
Item for tlirec Calves and half a Lamb Ss. 2d.
Item paid five days board of one Pyke Propyrte
making for himself and his servant one day and fur his
horses pasture si.x days is. 4d.
Item*
SIS A^JCIENT SPOtlTSj SCC.
Item paid to Turners of Spits and for Salt 9d.
Item for four Chickens for the Gentlemen 4d.
Item for fish and bread and setting up the Stages 4d.
Item to John Becher for painting of three Fanchoms
and four Tormentors.
Item to Giles Ashwell for easement of his Croft to play
in Is.
Item to John Hobarde Brotherhood Priest for the
playbook 2s. 8d.
ANCIENT SPORTS,
AND PASTIMES OF THE LOXDONEKS,
JBy William Stcphanidcs, or Fitzsteplien, a Monk of Can-
tcrharrj, horn in London in the Reign of King Stephen ;
Ziirote this Account in the Reign of Henri/ the Second,
and died Anno 1191^ in the Reign of Richard the
First.
JxT the Shrovetide in every year, the boys of ea^h
school in the Metropolis bring lighting-cocks to their
masters, and the whole of the forenoon is spent in the
school, to see these cocks fight together. After dinner
the youth of the city go to play at ball in the fields;
every bo}'^ being provided with a separate ball, the prac-
tisers also of the trades are each in possession of a ball,
with which they join in the sport, the ancienter sort
come, on this occasion, on horseback, to witness the
agility of their children and friends.
By this account the barbarous custom of killing the
cocks, by throwing sticks at them, while tied to a stake,
was not known or practised in the time of this writer, as
he would certainly have noticed it.
SrORTS IN LENT,
EVERY Sunday in Lent, after dinner, a company of
young men ride into the fields on horses v/hich arc fit
for
ANCIENT SPORTS,, &G. 319
for war, and principal runners : every one among them is
tausht to run the rounds with his horse. I'he citizen's
sons issue out through the gates by troops^ furnished with
lances and warlike shields : the younger sort have their
pikes not headed with iron, where they make a represen-
tation of battle, and exercise a skirmish. There resort
to this exercise many cotirtiers, when the King lies near
thecity,and young striplings out of the family's of Barons
and great persons, which have not yet attained the war-
like girdle, to train and skirmish.
Hope of victory infxaraes every one: the neighing and
i^erce horses bestir their joints, and chew their bridles,
and cannot endure to stand still: at last they bc;T,in their
race, and then the young men divide their troops; some
labour to out-strip their leaders, and cannot reach them;
Others fling down their fellows, and get beyond tijem.
SEA FIGHTS.
IN Easter holidays thev counterfeit a sea fi«ht' a
pole is set up in the middle of the river, with a target ivell
fastened thereon, and a young man, stands upright in a
boat, which goes swiftly by help of the oars and tide, who
with his spear hits the target in his pjissage, with which
blow, if he break the spear, and continues upright,
begets th(^prize, if any is contended for: but if his spear
continues unbroken, he seldom fails of being precipitated
irjto the river, to the no small entertainment of the nu-
merous spectators assembled on the occasion. And in
order to prevent any accident, if lie is not an oxpeit
swimmer, two vessels, with many young men on board^
are in readiness to take him up, the n)oment he nuikes
l)is appearance from the aqiuitic plunge.
su^r^rKR si'onrs.
UPON the hollidays all summer, the youth is exercised
in leaping, shooting, v.restlingj, casting of stones, and
throwing
520 ANCIENT SPORTS, SCC.
throwing of Javelins fitted vnth loops for the purpose,
which they strive to fling beyond the mark : they also
use bucklers., like fighting men. The robust exercise*
besides, consist in baiting and hunting with dogs, bulls,
boars, and bears.
Many citizens take delight in birds, as sparrow-hawks,
gos-hawks, and suchlike; and in dogs to hunt in thi»
woody ground, to which end they have authority to hunt
or course in Middlesex, Hertfordshire, all the Chillerns,
and in Kent, as far as Gray- Water.
SPORTS ON THE ICF,,
WHEN the great moor, which washes Moorflelds, at
the north wall of the city, is frozen over^ great compa-
nies of young men go to sport upon the ice; then taking
a run, and setting their feet at a distance, and placing
their bodies sideways, they slide a great way. Otlicrs
take heaps of ice, as if they were great mill-stones, and
make scats; many, going before, drawing the party who
are seated, holding one another by the hand; in going so
fast, some slipping with their feet, all fall down toge-
ther. Some are better practised to the, ice, and bind to
their shoes, bones, as the legs of some beasts, and hold
stakes in their hands, headed with sharp iron, which
sometimes they strike against the ice; and these men go
<5a with speed, as doth a bird in the air, or darts shot
from some warlike engine. Sometimes two men set them-r
selves at a distance, and run one against another, as it
were at a tilt, with these two stakes, wdierewith one or
both parlies are thrown down, not without some hurt to
their bodies; and after their fall, by reason of the violent
mofion, arc carried a great distance from one another ;
and wheresoever the ice touches their heads, it rubs off
the skin, and lays it bare; nor is it unusual to have a
leg or an arm broken in the frolic. But our youth,
grtf.'uy of honour and desirous of vietory, do thus e.\cr-
ci.-'-
EXTUAORDINAKT MURDER. 321
cise themselves in counterfeit battles, that they may bear
the brunt more strongly, when they come to it in
earnest.
Lucan, speaking of Caesar's attempt on the Trinobantes,
or Britons, says.
He was afraid, and fall'd by Britons' hand,
That first presumed to invade their land.
Extraordinary case of Jonathan Bradford, zlJio teas
executed at Oxford, for the Murder of Cristopiier
Hayes, E&q. in the year 173G.
Jonathan Bradford kept an inn in Oxford-
shire, on the London road to Oxford ; he bore an unex-
ceptionable character. Mr. Hayes, a gentleman of for-
tune, being on his way to Oxford, on a visit to a relation,
put up at Bradford's; he there joined company with two
gentlemen, with whom he supped, and in conversation
unguardedly mentioned that he had then about him a
large sum of money. In due time they retired to their
respective chambers ; the gentlemen to a two-bedded
room, leaving, as is customary with many, a candle
burning in the chimney corner. Some hours after they
were in bed, one of the gentlemen being awake, thought
he heard a deep groan in the adjoining chamber; and
this being repeated, he softly awaked his friend. They
listened together, and the groans increasing as of one
dying, they botli instantly arose, and proceeded silently
to the door of the next chamber, from whence they heard
the groans ; and the door being ajar, saw a light in the
room; they entered, but it is impossible to paint their
consternation, on perceiving a person weltering in his
blood in the bed, and a man standing over him, with a
dark lainhorn in one hand and a knife in the other. The
man seemed as petrified as themselves, but his terror
Vol. n. s s carried
S23 EXTRAORDINARY MURDER.
carried with it all the terror of guilt ! The gentlemen
soon discovered the person was the stranger with whom
they had that night supped, and that the man who was
standing over him was their host. They seized Bradford
directly, disarmed him of his knife, and charged him with
being the murderer: he assumed by lliis time the air of
innocence, positively denied the crime, and asserted that
became there with the same humane intentions as them-
selves ; for that, hearing a noise, which was succeeded by
a groaning, be got out of bed, struck a light, armed
himself with a knife for his defence, and was but that
minute entered the room before them.
These assertions were of little avail, he was kept in
close custody till the morning, and then taken before a
neighbouring justice of the peace. Bradford still denied
the murder, but nevertheless, with such an apparent in-
dication of guilt, that the justice hesitated not to make
use of this extraordinary expression, on writing out hi;?
mittimus ; " iVlr. Bradford, either you or myself com-
jiiitted this^ murder.'*
This extraordinary affair was the conversation of the
whole county; Bradford was tried and condemned over and
over again, in every company. In the midst of all this
predetermination came on the assizes at Oxford ; Brad-
ford was brought to trial, he pleaded not guilty. Nothing
could be more strong than the evidence of the two gen-
tlemen ; they testified to the linding Mr. Hayes murder-
ed in his bed ; Bradford at the side of the Body with a
lio;ht and a knife ; that knife and the hand which held
it bloody ; that on their entering the room he betrayed
all the signs of a guilty man, and tliat a few moments
preceding, they had heard the groans of the deceased.
Bradford's defence on' his trial was the s;tme as before
the gentlemen : he had heard a noise ; he suspected
some villainy transacting; hestruck a light; he snatched
a knife
EXTRAORDINARY MURDER. 32a
a Icnlfe (the only weapon near him) to defend himself;
ami the terrors he discovered, were merely the terrors of
humanity, the natural effects of innocence as well as
guilt, on beholding such a horrid scene !
This defence, however, could be considered but as
tvealc, contrasted with the several powerful circumstances
asainst him. Never was circumstantial evidence more
strong ! There was little need left of comment, from the
judge in summing up the evidence! j\o room appeared
for extenuation ! And the jury brought in the prisoner
Guilty, even without going out of the box.
Bradfoid was executed shortly after, still declaring he
was not the murderer, nor privy to the murder of Mr.
Hayes; but he died disbelieved by all.
Yet were those assertions not untrue ! The murder was
actually coniinitted by Mr. Hayes's footman; who, im-
niediatelv on stabbing his master, rifled his breeches of
his mone}^, gold watch and snuff-box, and escaped to his
own room ; wliich could have been, from the after cir-
cumstances, scarcely tv,o seconds before Bradford's en-
tering the unfortunate gentleman's chamber. The world
owes this knowledge to a remorse of conscience in the
footman (eighteen monihs after the execution of Brad-
ford) on a bed of sickness ; it was a death-bed re-
pentance, and by that death the law lost its victim !
It is much to be wished, thiit this account could close
here; but it cannot! Bradford, though innocent, and
not privy to the murder, was, nevertheless, the murderer
in design. He had heard, as well as the footman, what
Mr. Hayes had declared at su])per, as to his having a
large sum of money about him, and he went to the cham-
ber with the same diabolical intentions as the servant.
He was struck with amazement ! — he could not believe
his senses ! — and in turning back the bed-clothes, to
assure luiiisclf of tlie fact, he, in his agitation, dropped
s s <Z his
SG-i MELANCHOLY EVENT IN BEEKSHIKE.
bis knife on the bleeding body, by which both his hand
and the knife became bloody. These circumstances
Bradford aciviiowledged to the clergyman who attended
him alter his sentence.
TO THE EDITOR OF KIRBY S SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sir,
Having rnet with an otJginal accnnni of a melancholy event in Berkshire,
I have transcribed it for your Musewni, nothing being oniitted but a fe-*-
redundant words. It was printed bj' John Harding, at the Bible and
Anchor, Newport-Street, n<;ar Leicester-Fields, 1680. I suppose sliooi
and shut arc, provincial Berkshire terms.
Yours, &c.
Bristol, June ISlJi, 1804. ISAAC JAMES-
On Thursday, Sept. 2d, loSO, John Sawyer, a farmer,
with his son Richard, a youth of 13 years of age,
went with four horses half a mile, to a Held in the parish
of Cookham, called Ham Field, to plough, about ten in
the forenoon, it bemg then fair. About eleven the sky
began to lour, the clouds grew thick, and soon it
lightened and thundered, and some showers of rain fell,
]t thundered several times very loud, sharp, and shrill,
to the amazement of several persons. Two other ploughs
were at work in the same field ; tlieir cattle being affrighted
and unruly, they shoot off and go home, and leave
John Sawyer in the liijd. About one the tempest began
to give off"; four hours after a neighbouring labourer, one
Francis Deli, passing from the wood side down to Cook-
ham, sees Sawyer, with his son Uichard, and the four
horses all dead on the around. Knowinu: the man, he
came into Cookham, and acquaints the inhabitants; im-
mechately the m;ijor part of the towns folks flocked up
into tlie fields to see this sad spectacle, and with the rest,
the wife of the said JofinSawyer ; where, to her exceeding
grief, she 5aw her husband, son, and lour horses dead. ]\o
impression
MEtANCHOL-y EVENT IN BERKSHIRE. 3Q5
impression or bruise on the man, but the boy's clothes
were most part of them rent from his body, and his hat
torn into tuo or three pieees ; one shoe, all the upper
k-ather torn tVoin the sole and heel; and his whip broke
into two or three pieces ; his shirt beaten to lint, and
strewed on the horse he was snpposed to ride, except
I one narrow slip from his neck to the fore-part, remain-
ing from his neck downward before. He was observed
to be naked, and from the neck dow^n his back burnt, or
singed, as is supposed with the lightening, likewise scorch-
ed or singed on the belly ; some part of his hair singed,
and the C3'e biows. The horse he was supposed to ride
was singed from the neck to the flank. It was judged by
those ploughmen that shot out and came home safe, that
it migtit be the last clap of thunder and ligh.tening that
afforded tliat latal stroke. John Sawyer and his son had
shot out IVom plough and vveje about six poles from it, sup-
posed to be ridinghomeward.each having his left leg undet
the near side of the horse he was supposed to ride. I'he
horses falling all one way, it is judged they were struck
immediately dead in their walk, none of ihem having so
much as one leg stretched out, or any reason to conclude
they strove for life, iiawyer was a man of good repute
among hi^ neighbours, that lived soberly and honestly.
On Saturday the 4th, the Coroner came and called ii
jury for enquiry, and they gave their verdict that it uas
the immediate providence of Alniitrhty God ; and so the
Coroner gave order for the burial of the man and his
son, which the same evening was pnfornied.
We who'je names are here under written, do testiiy the
truth of this relation :
Jo. Whitjicld, Eaq. Justice of Quorum for Berkshire,
Franch Craiclei/, Vic. de Cool:ham,
Robert Ben tut, "j
John Rr^e, / Clunchwardens of Cookham,
John Chcrij, of Maidenhead, Warden of the Town.
50.6 EXTRARODINARY PRESERVATION.
Thomas Bird, apprentice at Mr. King's^, a fishmonger in
JNewgate Market,, whose father liveth at Cookham,
was likewise at Cookham when this sad accident hap-
pened, and saw the man, boy, and horses in the field.
Jofm Hardiyig, being ver}' near the place the next day.
The same day at Norwich, and for six miles round,
happened a terrible thunder and lightening ; where
eight persons that were at harvest work, retiring into a
church porch, a great clap of thunder and lightening
came and struck them all dead.
EXTRAOKDINARY PRESERVATION.
1 HE Terrace of Berne, in Switzerland, is a promenade
close to the Cathedral, where the shade of venerable
chesnut- trees, affords a refreshing coolness, even on the
hottest day in summer. From this terrace, which is be-
between six and seven hundred feet high, and is the Avork
of human indystr}', is seen a range of lofty mountains,
whose summits are buried beneyth everlasting snows,
and, when illumined by the sun, appear like beautiful,
delicate clouds. Underneath runs the river Aar, which
precipitates itself with great noise from a considerable
height. In the wall surrounding this j)romenade^ is the
following inscription :
" In honour of the Almighty and Miraculous Provi-
dence of God, and as a memorial for posterity, this stone
was erected on this spot, from which Mr. Theobald
Wenzapfli, when a student, fell on the 25th of May,
1654; after which accident he lived .'^O years as Minister
of Kerzersee, and died in an advanced age on the 25th
of November, I694."
However, extraordinary it may appear, that a man
precipitated from such a height should remain alive, yet
the
MOVEMENT OF THE EARTH. 3\t7
the circumstance, according to the inhabitants of Berne
has never been called in question. The student, it is
said, wore a wide gown, which being inflated by the air,
acted like a parachute, so that he fell quite gently to the
ground.
MOVEMENT OF THE EARTH.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM,
Sir,
An ocourr«;iice perhaps not less extraordinary tlian that recorded in ycwr
last Number (page 279) is related by Sir Richard Baker, in spcakiuj of
the wonderful events in Queen Elizabeth's reigu, that writer gives the
following account of Manley-Hill.
INlier 13th year, a prodigious earthquake happened
in the east part of Herefordshire, in a little town called
Kynaston. On the 17th of February, at six o'clock in
the evening, the earth began to open, and an hill, with a
rock under it, niakinjj^ first a 2:reat bcUowinq; noise, lifted
ifself up, and began to travel, bearing with it the trees
that grew upon it, the sheepfolds and flocks ; sheep abid-
ing there at the same time. In the place from whence
it first moved, it left a chasm 40 feet broad, and fourscore
ells long. The whole field w'as about 2 acres only.
Passing along, it overthrew a chapel standing in the way ^
removed a yew-tree, })lanted in the church-yard, from
the west to the east: with the same force it thrust before
it high^vays, hedges, and trees ; made tilled land into
pasture; and again turned pasture into tillage. Having
walked in this manner from Saturday evening till Mon-
day noon, it then stood still."
. This was probably one of those slips of land which arc
very common in hilly countries after a wet season, as
happened lately to Becchen-clifl^, near the Old Bri'lgo at
Bath.
32S A MAN BORN WITHOITT ATMS OR LEGS.
Biith. — Tlie yew-tree in Kynaston churcb-vard is still ta
be seen ; and the bell of tbe cbapel was dug up a few
years siuce. Yoiu's &c.
A. C.
Account of a Man horn zcithout Jrms or Legs,zvho lately
died at Poris, aged aixtif-tzco yean.
TO THE EDITOR Ob* THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM,
Sin,
If the fullawLii? particulars relative to a remarkable instance of Ixims
naturT in the human species, should be considered worthy of a place in
your amusing Miscellany, they may, perhaps, possess some interest for
those of your readers who are fond of studying the varieties of figure and
disposition among maakimd.
I am, your's, &c.
J. C. N.
Marc CATOZZE, called tbe Little Bzcarf, was born at j
Venice, in tbe ye^ir 1741, of tall and robust parents. He
hud several brothers, all of whom were tall and well made ;
bis body was not deformcfl, and appeared to belong to a
man of live feet six inches ; he had neither arms nor legs,
tiie pectoral nienilKM-s consi^ted of a ver}' prominent
shoulder, and a perfect hand ; the lower part of the body
was very flat, terminating in a mis-shapen foot, but com-
plete in all its parts.
This man was well known ; he had spent the greatest
part of his life in traversing almost all the states of
Europe exliibiting himself to the public curiosity. He
attracted the multitude, not only b}' the singularity of
his form, but likewise by the astonishing strength of his
jaws, and the dexterity with which he threw up into the
air, sticks and other things with one of liis hands, and
rcaught ihcni with the other.
As he Qould scarcely reach his mouth with the ends of
his
A JiAN feOEN WITHOUT ARMS OR lEGS. S29
■fingers, his greatest difficult}' would have been to feed
himself TVithout assistance, if ;natu«e had not furnished
him with the extraordinary power of protruding, and
at the same time lowering his under jaw^ as was discover*
ed in dissecting his body after his death.
Though CatOzze could walk and stand upright on his
feet, yet he would have experienced great difficulty in
reaching objects situated above, or at a certain distance
from his bauds. He had therefore contrived to lengthen
them, as it were, by a very simple instrument which was
to him of the utmost utility. This was a hollow piece of
elder, about three feet in length, through which passed
a cylindrical iron rod, fixed so as to slide up and down,
and terminating in a very sharp hook. If he wished to
lay hold of an object at some distance from his hand;
for instance^ to button his clothes, to take up or set down
his metal goblet ; to pull the clothes upon him in bed>
he took his tube (which he always kept near him) in one
hand and pushed it between his fingers, till he brought
the hooked end towards the hand that was at liberty ;
then seizing the object that he wanted with the hook, he
drew it towards him> turning it any way he pleased,
without letting go the stick, but drawing back the hooked
piece of iron, as into a sheath. The habit of using this
rnstrument had rendered him so dexterous, that, by
means of it he has frequently been seen Lo take up a
piece of money from a table, or from the ground.
It will scarcely be credited, that a man of this descrip-
tion should have met with several women whose affections
he had the art to gain; at least, he frequently boasted to
that effect.
In his youth, Catozze travelled on horseback; for this
purpose, he had procured a particular kind of saddle,
and usually appeared in public, holding the reins, beat-
ing a drum, performing his exercise with a musket, writ*
^- Vol. II. T t inj^,
530 BBMARXABLB INSJAWCE OF INTREPIDITT.
ing, winding up his watch, cutting his victuals, &:c. He
possessed a very robust constitution ; he was gay, and
even merry, and took a pleasure in relating his travels
and adventures; he spoke very well, and wrote English,
German, French, and Italian, The vivacity of his dis-
position rendered his conversation very interesting ; but
he was addicted to wine and spiritous liquors, and was
fond of good living. He was very obstinate, had mucli:
self'^love, and a ridiculous haughtiness. When he went
abroad for instance, he Avas drawn in a small vehicle, by
^ man whom he called his horse, and to whom he gave
a few half-pence; but he never suffertd this man, whom
he considered as bis servant, to eat with him.
The lower extremities, as has been already observed,
consisted only of his feet ; yet he could use them for walk-
ing in an upright position. ISIore than once he has
been seen walking in the court of his abode, and even to
go nearly three quarters of a mile on foot. In order to
rest himself, he turned out his toes as far as he could,
supported himself before on his stick, and behind against
any place that he happened to be near; and thus re-
mained whole hours conversing with strangers who
called to see him.
He expired at the age of 62, of an inflammation of
the bowels; having for two years previous to his death,
complained of violent pains of the cholic.
RKMAIIKABLE INSTANCE OF INTHEPIDITY.
On the celebration of the anniversary of his Majesty'*
birth at Jersey, June 4th, 1 804, the public joy experienced
a sudden interruption by a dreadful accident, which, but
for the signal intervention of Providence, would have prov-
ed the destruction of the whole town. At noon, the forts on
»hc island, and th« artillery in the new fort on the larg^
. . kill,
REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF INTREPIDITY. 331
hill, fired a Royal Salute, by order of the Governor.
After the ceremony, a corporal of the Invalid Company
of Artillery received the matches, and locked them in the
paagazine at the top of the hill, which is bomb-proof; it
contained 209 barrels of povrder, a quantity of loaded
bombs, caissons full of cartridges, and other combustibles.
About six ill the evening the sentries observed a smoke
issuing from an air-hole at the end of the magazine, and
immediately ran from the fort to give the alarm of fire,
when Mr. P. Lys, the Signal Officer on the hill, also observ-
ing the smoke, came towards it, and meeting two bro-
tliers, named Touzel, who were employed by him a;
carpenters, endeavoured to prevail on them to break
open the door. One of them, however, refused, and went
in search of the keys ; but the other, named Edward,
having requested a soldier, named Pontsney, to assist
him^ he acquiesced, and they agreed to sacrifice their
lives. Touzel then proceeded to break open the door
with an axe and a wooden bat, when, finding the magazine
on fire, he rushed into the flames, and threw out heaps of
burning matches. At length, by tlie intrepidity of this
man in particular, the fire was subdued before the soldiers
or inhabitants could reach the top of the hill. Captain
Lciih, and the soldiers of the Slst regiment, then pro-
ceeded to inspect and empty the magazine, lest any
sparks should remain undiscovered, when, wonderful to
relate, they found that two wooden caissons filled with
ammunition had been attacked by the fire, and that one,
containing powder-horns, cartridges, &,c. was nearly half
burnt through : an open barrel of powder was also
situated under some of the beams which were on fire, and
supported the roof! — The constable of the town sum-
moned the inhabitants to meet, for the purpose of testify-
ing their gratitude towards the two brave men whose in-
trepidity preserved them from destruction.
( 332 )
PATRICK O'BRIEN,
The celebrated Irish Giant, zcith a striking likeness^
taken from Life.
IVIR O'BRIEN is one of those extraordinary pheno-
mena that, perhaps once in a century appear to the won-
der and astonishment of mankind. In an accurate
survey of this singular character, our surprize is ac-
companied with pity and regret, as every movement ap-
pears to be attended with trouble and a degree of pain.
In the action of rising to salute or surprise his visitors, he
places both his hands on the small of his back, and
bowing his body forward, rises with considerable difficulty
from his seat, generally consisting of a common sized
table, on which is placed the cushion of a carriage.
Mr. O'Brien has exhibited himself in London at different
periods during the last eighteen years ; and for four ox
five successive Bartholomew Fairs, he was to be seen in
Smithfield. His declining, however, this mode of ex-
hibition, gave rise to the report of his death, and it was
not until his appearance was announced in the Hay-
Market, that the rumour was contradicted. Many could
not, even then, be satisfied that he was the same person
they had formerly seen, before they paid him a visit for
the purpose of indulging their curiosity. About fifteen
years since, during the time he was to be seen at Bar-
tholomew Fair, he used frequently to walk about the
streets, for the sake of air and exercise, at two or three
o'clock ill the morning. In one of these nocturnal ex-
cursions it was my chance to overtake him ; when he was
accompanied by two genteel looking men of the com-
mon size ; oh whose shoulders he supported himself in the
same manner we sometimes see a well grown man rest-
ing his hands on the shoulders of children of eight or
ten years of oge. Though I had frequently seen him in a
room, I v/as so much struck with his appearance and man-
ner
1" rarTly UK
The Celcbratoa IRISH GlANT.
S Feet " Lu/i cs /liq/i . AQ|ed .S 8 Years.
Piih'^ .r„,t,- -tri. 1,101. I'll R.S . KhOii II. f,rn,i,'„ Il.-iu,: Vtnt A l..f,rii 4,l'y,.ftrnitt1 .
VanAfttn <fcitlfi
PATRICK O BRIEN, THE IRISH GIANT. SSS
Tier in the street^ that I observed him with much attention.
Walking up Holborn he appeared to be greatly fatigued ;
and rather might be said to shuffle along than walk; as
he never moved either of his feet from the stones. In
proceeding along the more level pavement^ his body
appeared more erect, and his head would have struck
against many of the laraps_, if he had not avoided them.
In this manner he pursued his widk as far as Staples Inn,,^
when he turned back in his way to SmithField (as I sup-
pose) for I followed him no farther than the corner of
Hiitton Garden.
Mr. O'Brien, is at this time (1804) in his 3Sth year, is
eight feet seven inches in height, and proportionably
lusty; his hand, from the commencement of the palm lo
the end of the middle iinger, measures tvv^elve inches;
and his face, from the chin to the top of his forehead
precisely the same, so that his hand exactly covers his
face (this by artists is deemed just proportion) ; his thumb
is about the size of a moderate man's wrist; and his shoe
is seventeen inches long, Upon the whole, Mr. O'Brien^
though possessing every claim to our attention^ on ac-
count of his extraordinary magnitude, is not entitled to
the denomination of a well made m^n. His limbs, it is
true, are not strikingly disproportioned ; but his figure
wants that general symmetry which more commonly dis-
tinguishes a man of ordinary dimensions.
It is an unhappiness too general among such as make
a practice of exposing their persons to public view, that
all the rest of mankind are alike indiilerent to them.
Hence neither connection nor friendship can possibly be
established with such men ; every endeavour to obtain
information that might be proper to elucidate the history
of their' lives, is regarded with jealousy, as they imagine
that it proceeds from impertinent or mischievous cu-
riosity.
Among
334 PATRICK OBRIEN, THE IRISH GIANT.
Among those with whom Mr. O'Brien is most familial',
he sometimes relates the following anecdote: travelling
in a carriage, peculiarly adapted to his use, by sinking
the foundation some feec, so as to hold his legs con-
veniently, he was stopped by a highwayman; putting his
head fo rAvard to observe the cause that impeded his pro-
gress, the highwayman was struck with such a panic
that he clapped spurs to his horse and made a precipitate
retreat.
It has been asserted, with what degree of truth I can-
not say, that Mr. O'Brien is passionately fond of cards,
and that he eagerly embraces every opportunity that
offers of engaging in that amusement, but that he can-
not bear to lose with patience; not from a principle of
parsimony, but from the disgrace (as he conceives it) of
being beat.
The bill which announced his return to London this
year (1804) runs thus : Just arrived in Town, and to be
seen in a commodious room, at No, II, Haymarket,
nearly opposite the Opera House, the celebrated IrishGiani,
Mr. O'Brien, of the Kingdom of Ireland, indisputabli/
the tallest man ever shown ; is a lineal descendant of the
old and puissant King Brien Boreau, and has, in person
and appearance, all the similitudes of that great and
grand potentate. It is remarkable of this familj/, that
hozcever various the revolutions in point of fortune or
alliance, the lineal descendants thereof, have beenfavoured
by Providence zcith the original size and stature tchichhavt
beenso peculiar to their familif.— The gentleman alluded
to measures near Nine Feet High. Admittance On&
Shilling.
Mr. O'Brien, when not in London, resides at a house
in Essex, formerly the mansion of a noble family,'
but now converted into an inn. This place he has
very properly pitched upon for his residence ; being-
built
PATRICK o'bEIENj THE IRISH GIANT* 335
liuilt in the ancient style^ with very lofty door-ways and
apartments, it is particularly calculated for the reception
of one who may justly be denominated the greatest
man in the [Jnited Kingdom. The house is, at present,
kept by a widow, for whom Mr. O'Brien is said to per-
form all transactions relative to the purchase or dis-
posal of her horses, &c.
O'Brien and Byrne, are names peculiar to gigantic per-
sons of the Irish Nation. In the year 1780, a Mr.
Byrne was to be seen at Charing-Cross, where he died,
and was buried in St. Martin's Church yard. He was
within two inches of eight feet at his death; and it was
thought that the continuance of his growth proved fatal
to him^ as he had not attained the 20th year of his age
when he died. — The following particulars have recently
been received from Ireland, relative to a man equally
singular with the Great O'Brien, though we are not
made acquainted with his height. I should rather
imagine that he more resembles Bright, our fat man of
Essex, than his countryman O'Brien, from the circum-
stance of his being suffocated through fat.
'* The remains of the hirgest person ever known in Ire-
land, at least since the days of Phil Macoul, the famous
Irish Giant, were lately interred in the church-yard of
Roseunallis, in the Qeeen's County. The coffin, with it*,
contents, weighed 52 stone, which amounts exactly to six
bundred. It was borne on a very long bier, by thirty
strong men, who were relieved at intervals. The name of
this extraordinary person was Roger Byrne. He lived at
or near Borros, in Ossory, and is reported to have died
, of no other disease but a suffocation, occasioned by an
extremity of fat, that stopped the play of the lungs, and
put a period to his life, in the 54th year of his age. He
was \3 stone heavier than the noted Bright, of Maldon,
who«e waistcoat inclosed seven large ii)«n. Byrne was a
married
336 PATRICK 0*BRlfiN, TrfE tRISl! GIANt*
married man, and it is remarkable his widow is a very
small woman, by whom he has left four boys, the eldest
not seven j^ears old^"
It was the custom with many of our Kings to keep
gigantic porters, among whom the following are parti-
cularly worthy of notice4 Walter Parsons, born in the
county of Stafford, was porter to King James I. and
might be truly called one of the >vonders of his age, for
be was not only two yards and a half, wanting but two
inches high, but had a due symmetry and proportion in
all parts of his body; his strength was equal to hia
height, courage to his strength^ and temper to his courage ;
he would neither boast nor sneak to any man, but would
often take two of the tallest yeomen of the guard under
his arms at once, and order them as he pleased*
William Evans, a native of Monmouthshire, in Wales,
■was porter to King Charles I. immediately after Walter
Parsons, and may be called the giant of his time ; for he
was two yards and a half complete, exceeding Parsons
two inches in height, but no way equalling him in pro^
portion of body ; for his knees knocked together, he went
shuffling with his feet, and was somewhat lame ; yet hfe
once danced in an antimasque at Whitehall, and after
scampering a while, he drew Jeffery Hudson, the Queen's
dwarf out of his pocket, to the wonder and merriment of
all the spectators.
The stature of Daniel, the lunatic porter of Oliver
Cromwell, is preserved by a circle marked on the terrace
at Windsor Castle, by which it appears he was con-
siderably taller than the common race of men.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, retained for
some time in his service as porter, a native of Scotland,
commonly called Big Sam, who was nearly eight feet
liigh, lusty and extremely well made. This man's size
was. in no wise inconvenieut to him, he being as agile
as
PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF SPIRiTUOUS LIQUORS. 337
as any man of six feet. He performed as a giant in the
Romance of Cymon, at the Opera House, in the Hay-
niarketj while the Drury-Lane company had the use of
that house, till their own was rebuilt. His health de-
clinhig in London he obtained permission of his Royal
Highness to return to his native country, where he con-
I tinned for some time in the capacity of a serjeantin the
army. A report was propagated of his having been
drowned in crossing some lake in Scotland, which has
however been since contradicted.
Having, as far as came within my knowledge, noticed
the most remarkable of the modern giants, I shall at a
future period, draw up from several memdraridums in my
possession an account of the earlier ones.
JAMES CAULFIELD.
Wonderful effects of the immoderate use of Spirituous
LlOUORS.
V-'OULD any consideration have weight with the deluded
votaries of the odious vice of excessive drinking, surely
I the following facts must prevail upon them to abandon
that pernicious habit. If it does not undermine their
constitutions by slow degrees, it may probably produce
sudden deatl), and that attended with circumstances of
horror, capable of alarming the most indifferent.
Howerer v.'onderful the accounts contained in the
subsequent pages may appear, they are given on such
authority as must remove all doubts respecting their
truth from the minds of the most incredulous. If but
one: victim should be rescued from the jaws of destruc-
tion, by the perusal of t4iem, it will afford us the most
sincere gratification.
At Copenhagen, ia the year IG92, a woman of the
lower class, who, for three j^ear?, had used spirituous
ToL. H, T) u liquors
558 PtRJJ'IClWUS EFFECTS OF SPIRITUOUS LIgtOKS.
liquors to such an excess that she would take no other
nourishment, having sat clown one evening on a straw
chair to sleep, was consumed in the night-time, so that
next morning no part of her was found, but the skull and
the extreme joints of her fingers; all the rest of her
body being reduced to ashes.
The Countess Cornelia Bandi, who resided at the
town of Cesena in Italy, aged 62, enjoyed a good state of
health. One evening, having experienced a sort of
drowsiness, she retired to bed, and her maid remained
with her till she fell asleep. Next morning, when the
girl entered to awaken her, she found nothing but the
remains of her mistress in a most horrid condition. At
the distance of four feet from the bed, was a heap of
ashes, in wliich could be distinguished the legs and
arms untouched. Between the legs lay the head, the
brain of which, together with half of the posterior part of
the cranium, and the whole chin had been consumed.
Three fingers were found in the state of a coal ; the rest
of the body was reduced to ashes, and contained no oil;
the taliow of two candles was melted on a table, but
the wicks still remained, and the feet of the candlesticks
were covered with a certain moisture. The bed was not
damaged; the bed-clothes and coverlid were thrown on
one side, as is the case when a person gets op. The
furniture and tapestry were covered with a moist kind
of soot of the colour of ashes, which had penetrated into
the drawers and dirtied the linen. This soot, having
been conveyed to a neighbouring kitchen, adhered to the
walls and utensils. A piece of bread in the cup-board
was covered with it, and no dog would touch it. The in-
fectious odour had been communicated to other apart-
ments. It is said that the Countess Bandi had been ac-
customed to bathe her body in camphorated spirit of
wine.
An
PETINICIOUS EFFECTS OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. 339
An instance of the same kind is recorded in a letter
of Mr. Wilmer, surgeon: — Mary Clues, aged 50, \yas
much addicted to intoxication. Iler propensity, to this
vice had increased after the death of her husband, which
happened a year and a half before. For about a yciu,
scarcely a day had passed in the course of which she did
not drink at least half a pint of rum or aniseed ^v■ater.
Her healtli gradually declined, and in the beginning c«f
February she was attacked by the jaundice, and conHncd
to her bed. Though she was incapable of much action,
and was not in a condition to work, she still continued
her old habit of drinking every day, and smoking a
pipe of tobacco. The bed in which ahe lay stood paral-
lel to the chimney of the apartment, at the distance of
about three feet. On Saturday morning tlwi 1st. of
^larch, she fell on the floor, and her extreme weakness
having prevented her from getting up, she remained in
that state till some one entered and put her to bed. The
following night she wished to be left alone; a woman
quitted her at half past eleven, and according to custom,
shut the door and locked it. She had put in thehre two
large pieces of coal, and placed a light in a candle-
stick on a chair at the head of the bed. At half after
five in the morning a smoke was seen issuing through the
window, and the door being speedily broken open, some
flames which were in the room were soon extinguished.
Between the bed and the chimney were found the re-
mains of the unfortunate Clues; one leg and a thigh
Were still entire, but there remained nothing of the skin,
the muscles and the viscera. The bones of the cranium,
the breast, the spine, and the upper extremities were en-
tirely calcined, and covered with a whitish efflorescence.
The people were much surprized that the furniture had
sustained so little injury. The side of the bed which was
next to the chimney had suffered the most; the wood of
u u a it.
S40 PERNICIOUS EFFECT? OF SPIRITUOUS HQUQ?^S.
it was slightly burnt, but the feather-bed, the ■ clothes,
and covering \vere safe. Mr. Wilmer entered the apart-
ineiits about two hours after it had been opened, and obr
served that the walls and every thing in it were blacken-
ed; that it was filled with a very disagreeable yapour,
' but that nothing excepting the body exhibited any strong
trace's of fire.
The transactions of the Royal Society of London, like-
wise furnish an instance of human combustion equally
extraordinary. — Grace Pitt, the wife of a fishmonger in
*£he parish of St. Clement, Ipswich, aged j^bput ,60, h,Q,d_
contracted a habit, which she continued for several
'■'years, of coming down every night from her bedrroom^
half-dressed, to smoke a pipe. On the night of the 9tih
of April, 1744, she got up frqm bed as usual. Her
(laughter who slept with her did not perceive that she was
' absent till next morning, when she awoke ; soon after
>\^hich she put on her clothes, and going down into the
"kitchen fourid her mother stretched out on the right side,
with her head near the grate; the body extended on the
*hearth, with her legs on the floor, which was of deal,
*ii'£iving the appearance of a log of wood, consumed by a
'ii're without apparent flame. On beholding this specta-
'cl6, the girl ran in great haste, and poured over her
"!Ai"bther's body sorne water contained in two large vessels
'i*A' order to extinguish the fire ; while the foetid odour and
*^nioke which exhaled from the body almost suffocated
"some of the neighbours who had hastened to the girl's
assistance. Th/g trunk was^ in sorne measure, incinerat-
ed, and resembled a heap of coals .covered with white
ashes. The head, the arms, the legs and the thighs had
also participated in tlfip burning. This woman it is said
had drank a large quantity of spirituous liquor inconse-
quence of being overjoyed to hear that one of her daugh-
ters" had returned from Gibraltar. There was no fire in
the
ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEON. S41
the gvate^ and the candle had burned entirely out in the
socket of the candlestick, which was close to ber. Be-
sides, tlicre were found, near the consumed bod}^ the
clothes of a child, and a paper screen, which had sus-
tained no injury by the iire. The dreas of tliis woman
consisted of a cotton gown.
.' j4n Account of that wonderful Animal the Cameleon,
described hi/ 6//- George Wheeler.
i\ EAR SMYRNA, are a great number of Cameleons,
an animal which has some resemblance to a lizard^ but
■, hath its back gibbous, or crooked, like a hog, and its
•feet have two claws before and three behind, which are
not separated from each other till near the ends. It has
along tail like a rat, and is commonly as big, but it has
very little or no motion with its head. The Cameleons
are in great abundance about the old walls of the Castle,
where they breed and lie in holes, or upon heaps of ruins.
:,Sir George V/ heeler says, I kept two of them twenty
•.days, durjng which he made the folhivving observations:
"their colpur was usually green, darker towards tlie back,
and lighter towards tlie belly, where it inclined to a yel-
low, with spots that were sometimes rcddish_, and at
'Others whitish 5 but the green often changed into a dark
>colour like that of earth, without any appearance of
green, and tlie whitish spots often vanished, but sometimes
-turned into the same dirt colour, and at others into a
flark purple. Sometimes, from being green all over,
•they would be spotted with black; and when they slept
imder a white woollen cap, they would commonly, when
uncovered, be of a whit>^ or a cream colour; but they
-would also turn white under a re(' cap, for they never
turned either red or blue, though they often lay under
those colours; but being placed upon green, they would
become
342 ACCOUNt OF THE CAMELEO.V.
become green, and upon the dark earth would change so
as exactly to resemble it.
As our author was walking by the side of the hill near
the old castle, he saw many that had changed themselves
so as to resemble the colour of the speckled stone wall,
and were grey with spots like moss. He found one on
the top of a green bush, which, when he first observed
it, was of a bright green; but it no sooner perceived
that he saw it, but searching, he observed it creeping
awav to a hole in the rock, it being changed to a dark
brown, exactly like the earth, which was then, after a
shower of rain, of that colour.
The power of thus changing its colour, is given it by
nature for its preservation; for it moves very slowly, lift-
ing up its legs high, and not quick, as if it searched for
hold to climb upward, which it can do very well on a
tree, a bush, or wall. When it saw itself in danger of
being caught, it opened its mouth, and hissed like a
snake.
The eyes of the Camelcon are no less wonderful than
the variation of the colours of the body: they are large
in proportion to the size of its head, being generally
bigger than a pea, and covered all over with a skin of the
same substance with the body, the grain being in circles
just to the centre, Avhere there is an hole no bigger than
a small pin's head, by which it receives light, which
must make the angle of its vision very acute. The head
being immoveable, it cannot immediately turn to ob-
jects; but to remedy this inconvenience, it can not only-
move its eyes backward and forward, upward and down-
ward, but one forward, and the other backward, or one
upward and the other downward.
The tongue is a kind of little trunk, of a gristly sub-
stance, about half an inch long, and hollow, joined to
its throat by a strong membranous and fleshy substance,
ia
FIRST IRRUPTION OF MOUNT VESUVIUS... S4r3
in whicl) it is sheathed when in the mouth. It will dart
this above an inch out of its mouth, smeared with a slu-
tinous substance, to catch flies, which stick fast to it as
to birdlime, and so arc brought into the mouth. These
flies are the ordinary known food of the Cameleon; but
like other animals of a cold nature, as lizards and ser-
pents, they will live a long time without sustenance.
Its tail is of very great use in climbing, for it will twine
about any thing so fast, that if its feet slip, it will sus-
tain and recover its whole body by it. Our author put
one which he had caught into a glass, so deep that it
could not reach near the brim Mith its fore-feet, nor
could take any hold with its claws, and yet it got out,
and almost escaped from him, as he afterwards saw, by
standing upon its forc-fcet, and raising itself up back-
ward, till it caught hold of the brim of the glass with its
tail, by the help of which it lifted out its whole body.
In Guinea are many cameleons, and they are far from,
living on air alone.
[In our next number we shall present our readers with
further particulars of this curious animal.]
TO THE EBITOR Ol KIRBY's SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM.
Sill,
There is sometiiiag so awful and strikingly terrific, in the Younger Pliny's
relation of the first irrruption of Vesuvius, in which the Elder Pliny was
sulfocatcd, that 1 imagine it may be acceptable to most readers of your
entertaining publication, particularly m ttiis description is not generally
known.
Yours, &c.
S. D.
X LINY at the time of the Irruption of Vesuvius, was
with a fleet under his command, at Misenum, in the
Gulf of Naples; his sister and her son, the Younger
Pliny, being with him. On the C4th of August, in the
year 79, about one in the afternoon, his sister desired
biin to observe a cloud of a very unusual size and shape.
He
S44 FTT5ST IRHUPTIOV OF MOUNT VESUVIUS.
He was in his stud}'; but immediately arose, and went
out upon an eminence to view it more distinct!}'. It was
not at that distance discernable from what mountain this
cloud issued, but it was found afterwards to ascend from
jNIount Vesuvius. Its figure resembled that of a pine-
tree; for it shot up a great height in the form of a trunk,
which extended itself at the top into a sort of branches,
and it appeared sometimes bright, and sometimes dark
and spotted, as it was more or less impregnated with
earth and cinders. This was a noble phenomenon for
the philosophic Pliny, who immediately ordered a light
vessel to be got ready; but as he was coming out of the
house, with his tablets for his observations, he received a
note from Ilectina, a lady of quality, earnestly entreat-
ing him to come to her assistance, since her villa being
situate at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, there was no way
for her escape, but by sea. He therefore ordered the
gallies to put to sea, and went hi'mself on board, with
intention of assisting not only Rectina, but others: for
the villas stood extremely thick upon that beautiful coast.
He steered directly to the point of danger, whence others
fled with the utmost terror; and with so much calmness
and presence of mind, as to be able to make and dictate
his observations upon the motion and figure of that
dreadful scene. He went so nigh the mountain, that
the cinders, which grew thicker and hotter the nearer he
approached, fell into the sliijis, together with pumice-
stones and black pieces of burning rock: they were like-
wise in danger, not only of being aground by the sud-
den retreat of the sea, but also from the vast fragments
which rolled down from the mountain, and obstructed all
the shore. Here he stopped to consider, whether he
should return? to which the pilot advising him, " For-
tune," said he, *' befriends the brave ; carry me to Pompo-
nianus." Pomponianus was then at Stabia?, a town sepa-
rated
FiKST IRRLPTION OF MOUNT VESUVIUS. $45
letted by a gulf, which the sea after several windings,
forms 'Upon that shore. He found him in the greatest
consternation> he exhorted him to keep up his" spirits ; and
the more to dissipate his fears, lie-ordered^ with an air
of unconcern, the baths to be got ready; when^ aftei*
having bathed, he sat down to supper with an apparent
chearfulness. In the mean while the irruption from
Vesuvius flamed out in several places wuth much vio-
lence, which the darkness of the night contributed to?
render still more visible and dreadful. Plin}'^ to soothe
the apprehensions of his friend, assured him it was only,
the burning of the villages, which the country people
had abandoned to the flames: after this, he retired, and
had some sleep. The Court which led to his apartment
being in some time almost filled with stones and ashes, if
he had ccntinued there any longer, it would have been
impossible for him to have made his way out; it was
therefore thought proper to awaken him. He got up,
and went to Pomponianus and the rest of his company,
who were not unconcerned enough to think of going to
bed ; they consulted together, whether it would be most
prudent to trust to the houses, which now shook from
side to side with frequent and violent rockings ; or to fly
to the open fields, where the calcined stones and cinders,
tliough light indeed, yet fell in large showers, and
threatened destruction. In this distress they resolved for
the fields, as the less dangerous situation of the two ;
and went out, having pillows tied upon then- heads with
napkins, .whrch was all their defence against the storms
of 'stones that fell around diem. It was now day every
where else, but there a deeper-darkness prevailed than in
the most obscure night; which, .however, was. in some
degree dissipated by torches, and other lights of various
kinds.
Vol. II, X K . They
S46 riRst iRRUptioN or mount Vesuvius.
They thought proper to go down farther upon tho"
^hore, to observe if they might safely put out to sea; but
they found that the waves still ran extremely high and
boisterous. There Pliny, taking a draught or two of wa*
ter, threw himself down upon a cloth that was spread for
him; when immediately the flames and a strong smell of
sulphur, which was the forerunner of them, dispersed
the rest of the company, and obliged him to arise. He
raised himself, with the assistance of two of his servants,
for he was pretty fat, and instantly fell down dead :-^
Suffocated, as his nephew conjectures, by some gross and
and noxious vapour; for he had always weak lungs, and
was frequently subject to a difficulty of breathing. As
soon as it was light again, which was not till the third
day after, his body was found entire, and without any.
marks of violence upon it; exactly in the same posture
that he fell, and looking more like a man asleep than
dead. The sister and nephew, whom the uncle left at
Misenum, continued there that night, but had their rest
extremely broken and disturbed. There had been for
many days before some shocks of an earthquake,
which was the less surprizing, as they were always ex-
tremely frequent in Campania; but they were so particu-
larly violent that night, that they not only shook every-
thing, but seemed to threaten a total destruction. When
the morning came, the light was exceedingly faint and
languid, and the buildings continued to totter; so that
Pliny and his mother resolved to quit the town, and the
people followed them in the utmost consternation. Having
got to a convenient distance from the houses, they stood
still, in fthe midst of a. most dangerous and dreadful
scene. The chariots they had ordered to be drawn out,
were soAgitated backv/ards and forwards, though upon
the most level ground, that they could not keep them
itedt^ct, even by supporting them with large stones.
'"* The
FUST IRRUPTION OF MOUNT VESUVIUS. 347
The sea seemed to roll back upon itself, and to be driven
from its banks by tlie convulsive motion of the earth ; it
was certain at least, that the shore was considerably en-
larged, and several sea animals were left upon it. On
the other side, a black and dreadful cloud, bursting with
an igneous serpentine vapour, darted out a long train of
fire, resembling flashes of lightning, but much larger.
Soon afterwards, the cloud seemed to descend, and cover
the whole ocean ; as indeed, it entirely had the island of
Caprea;, and the promontory of Misenum. Pliny's
mother conjured him strongly to make his escape, which,
being young, for he was only eighteen 3ears of age, he
might easily do ; as for herself, her age and corpulency,
rendered all attempts of that sort impossible: but he re-
fused to leave her, and taking her by the hand, led her
on. The ashes began to fall upon them, though in no
great quantity ; but a thick smoke, like a torrent, came
rolling after them. Pliny proposed, while they had anj^-
light, to turn out of the high road, lest his mother should
be pressed to death in the dark, by the crowd that followed
them ; and they had scarcely stepped out of the path when
utt,er darkness entirely overspread them. Nothing then
was to be heard, says Pliny, but the shrieks of women, the
screams of children, and the cries of men : some callin<''
for their children, others for their parents, others for
their husbands, and only distinguishing each other by
their voices ; one lamenting his own fate, another that of
his family, some wishing to die from the very fear of
dying, some lifting up their hands to the Gods, but the
greater part imagining, that the last and eternal night
was come, which was to destroy both the Gods and the
world together. At length a glimmering light appeared,
which however was not the return of day, but only the
forerunner of an approaching burst of flames. The fire
luckily fell at a distance from them ; then again Ihey
X X 2 were
54S PIP.ST IRRUPTION OF MOUNT VESUVIUS.
were immerged in thick darkness, and a heavy shower of
ashes rained upon tliem, which they were obhged every
now and then to shak^ off to prevent being crushed and
bruised in the heap. At length this dreadful darkness
was dissipated by degrees, like a cloud of smoke : the real
day returned, and even the Sun appeared, thoug'h very
faintly, and as when an eclipse is coming on; and every
object seemed changed, being covered over with white
ashes, as with a deep snow. Pliny owns very frankly,
that his support, during this terrible phicnomenon, was
chiefly founded in that miserable, though strong conso-;
lation, that all mankind ^yere involved in the same cala-
mity, arid that the world itself was perishing. They re-.
turned to Misenum, but without yel getting rid of their
fears ; foj" the earthquake still continued, while, as was
extremely naturj^l in such a situation, several enthusias-r
tic people ran up and down, heightening their own and
their friends calamities by terrible predictions.
This event ha[)pened A. D. 79, in the first year of the
Emperor Titus; and was probably the first irruption of
Mount Vesuvius, at least of any consequence, as it is
certain we have no particular accounts of any preceding
irruption. Dio, indeed, and other nncient authors, speak
of this as burning before; but still they describe it as co-
vered with trees and vines, so that the irruptions must
have been inconsiderable. Martial has an epigram upon
this subject, in which he gives us a view of Vesuvius, as
it appeared before this terrible conflagration broke out.
Mr. Melmpth's translation runs thu^ :
" Here verdant Vines o'erspreiul "\'c-invinb' Side?:,
The (ienernu> Grape here pour'd her purple Tides;
This Bacchus IdvM beyond his nati\e Scpne,
Here dancins: Satyrs joy'd to trip tlie Green.
Far more than Sparta this in A'enus' Grace,
And great Alrides once renowu'd the place;
Now tlaminsi embers spread dire waste iironnd.
And gods regret that god? can thub confound."
LOCAL ,
( 349 )
LOCAL SINGULARITIES OF A DISTRICT IN YORKSHIRE.
The following Particulars are extracted from a Manuscript of John Wat-
son, Esq. who, about the Year 1730, resided at Malton, in Yorkshire.
, U PON the middle of Bramham Moor, a man may
see ten miles romid him; within those ten miles^ there
is as much freestone as wiU build ten cities as large as
York, and York is supposed to be as large as London
within the walls. — Within those ten miles is as much
good oak-t'mber as will build those ten cities — within
those ten miles there is as much limestone, and coals to
burn it into lime, as will build those ten cities. There
is also as much clay and sand, and coals to burn them
tnto bricks and tile, as will build those ten cities
Within those ten miles, there are two iron forges, suffi-
cient to furnish iron to build those ten cities, and 10,000
tons to spare. — Within those ten miles, there is lead suf-
ficient, and 10,000 fodder to spare. — Within those ten
miles, there is a good coal seam, sufficient to furnish
those ten cities with firing for 10,000 years, — Within those
ten miles, are three navigable rivers, Ouse, Ware, antf
Wharfe, at the foot of which a man may take shipping
and sail to any part of the world. — Vv^ithin those ton
miles, are seventy gentlemens'iiouscs, ail keeping coaches,
and the least of them an esquire; and ten parks and fo-
rests well stocked with deer. — Within those ten miles,
there are ten maiket-towns, each of which may be sup-
posed to return 10,(X)0/. per week."
EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER.
IN the month of March, 1803, died, at her house in
St. Petei's-itreet, Canterburv, Mrs. Celestina Collins^
widow.
S50 EXTRAORDINARY CHAEACTEE.
widow, aged 70 years. Although possessing an inconie
of 70l. per annum, her habits of Hfe were singularly
disgusting; her disposition and peculiarities were so ec-
centric, that she may be truly said to have verified the
old adage, " De gustibus nil dhputandum.*' During
many years, her constant companions were from l6 to
20 fowls, whose excrements defiled not only her bed^
and every article of her furniture, but even the plate out
of which she ate. A favorite cock, whose age might
be calculated from his spurs, which were three inches
long, and an equally favoured rat, were, for a length of
time, constant attendants at her table, each partaking of
the fragments which even her penury shared with them;
till, one day, the rat, not preserving due decorum to-
wards his rival, met his death from the hands of his mis-
tress. Her predilection for vermin was such, that, at
her death, a nest of mice was found in her bed. The
house, in v/hich she re-sided, contained, besides the room
in which she constantly lived and slept, two others, that
had not been permitted to be opened for man^jr years.
Among the bequests in her will, were 50/. to the Kent
and Canterbury hospital; the same sum to the parish of
St. Peter ; ol. to the Minister of the parish, for a funeral
sermon, and one guinea to each of the persons who
should carry her to the grave, besides many other lega-
cies, generally to persons in no degree related to her.
•^-^••^••^^^-^^.^.^^
De&cription of a remarkabiT/ savage T'RI'bEj inhabiting
the Valley of Slosella, in Dalmatia.
1 HE scenery of the valley of Slosella is frightful, on
account of the aridity of the mountains, their deep clefts
and the sterility of the soil, or rather dust, which collects
in thejf crevices. In this corner of the earth, vegetates
a Tribe, the most brutalized and destitute of understand-
in»
SAVAGE TRIBE IN DALMATIA. S51
ing of any in all Dalmatia, or perhaps on the whole con-
tinent. This truly degraded tribe possesses no instinct
but that of destruction. In the district inhabited by it,
not a blade of corn, not a fruit tree, shrub or useful
plant of any description is to be seen ; these senseless
and improvident wretches tear up every thing that the
earth is inclined to produce for their nourishment. As an
instance of their inconceivable imbecility, while they
destroy trees, grain, und even grass, they shew respect
to thorns, thistles and briars, so that, having madly de-
prived themselves of every vegetable capable of furnish-
ing the means of protracting their deplorable existence,
they are obliged to feed upon insects, fish, or muscles,
which the sea casts on their shores, or which the compas-
sion of the fishermen of the neighbouring paits bestows
upon their disgusting indigence. Without industry,
care, energy, aii^d probably even ideas, they sit the whole
day at the doors of their miserable huts or on the rock*
which surround them. Their features are haggard, their
complexions tanned by the Sun, and darkened with mi-
sery. Their looks are expressive of fear; their hair
black and flowing, their habits of body meagre, their
limbs slender and proportioned. They are more timid
than wicked, more brutal than ferocious; the most simple
ideas never reach their minds! they are incapable alike of
comprehending, recollecting, or imitating, and do notseem
to imagine that any thing in the world can be either useful,
convenient, or agreeable. It would be aninsult to human
nature to call them savages ; they possess neither their
candour, simplicity, courage, nor spirit of independence.
Savages are the first link in the grand chain of man-
kind, and these people appear to be the last. Their origin
is unknown, but they are said to have been at one time
formidable to the Turks. They may probably be
some wretched remnant of the Uscoques, who being held'
in
352 ACCOUNT CF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK»
in general detestation, aud being reduced by the change
of war, or other calamities, have lost for ever, under
the lash of of terror, botli the sensation of their misfor-
tunes and of their misery ; in whom not only the dignity
of human nature, but likewise the faculties of the under-
tlandinc:. toijether with reason itself are cxtin2;uished.
Such are the observations of M. Cassas ; and they agree
with those made on these people by the Abbe Fortis, who
says: "Notwithstanding the abundance and variety of
the fish cast in various seasons of the year on the strand
of Slosella, the indolent inhabitants neglect every me-
thod by which they might be turned to advantage. They
are contented to live from hand to mouth, and devour
without bread, and frequently without any kind of pre-
paration all the fish they take. In spring these silly
peasants live entirely upon cuttle-fish. They catch them
bv immersing in the water branches of trees, to ^^hich
tiiis fish adheres for the purpose of depositing its spawn;
and if, to procure even this sustenance, a more compli-
cated contrivance were necessary, I believe thev'^ would
starve, rather than take the trouble to employ it. They
arc equally enemies to their own weliare, and that of
others; so that to prevent the introduction of large fish-
ing nets by their lord, they rolled large stones into all
the deep waters near the shore, where they would have
been of infinite advantage to them."
A71 Accou7it of the Birth aud Education of the unfortu"
note Prince, zc'ho zcas secluded from Society hi) Cardi"
?uih Richelieu cr^t/MAZARiN ; aud afterwards impri-^
soncd hij order of Lewis tlic xi\th.
[From Memoircs du Slarcchal Due de Richelieu, Stc]
1- HE unfortunate Prince whom I have brought up, and
taken care of till the close of my life, was born Septem-
ber
ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK. 35S
ber 5, l638^ at half past eight. His brother, the present
sovereign, was born in the morning of the same day,
about twelve o'clock. But the births of these princes
presented a striking contrast, for the eldest's was as splen-
did and brilliant as the ^^ouugcst's was melanchol}' and
private.
The King, soon after the queen was safely delivered of
the first prince, was informed by the midwife, that her
majesty was still in labour. This intelligence alarmed
him greatly, and he ordered the chancellor of France,
the fiist almoner, the queen's confessor, and myself, to
remain in her a[)artment till she was delivered, as he
wished us to be witnesses of the steps which he meant to
take, if she gave birth to another dauphin; for it had
been foretold by some shepherds, that the queen was
pregnant with two sons ; they also reported, that they
had obtained this knowledge by divine inspiration. This
report was soon circulated through Paris, and the people,
alarmed by it, loudly asserted, that if this prediction
should be verified, it would eause the total ruin of the
state. The archbishop of Paris was soon informed of
these transactions, and after conversing with the divines,
ordered the shepherds to be closely confined in the pri-
son of Lazarus; for the serious effect their prophecy
had produced in tlie minds of the people, had given the
king some uneasiness, because it made him reflect on the
disturbances he had to fear in his kingdom.. He inform-
ed the cardinal of this prediction, who in his answer said,
that the birth of two dauphins was not impossible, and
that if the peasants' prophecy should be realized, the
last-born must be concealed with the greatest care, as he
might, when he grew up, conceive that he had a right to
the crown, and cause another league in the kingdom.
During the queen's second labour, which lasted seve-
ral hours, the king was tormented by bis appreliensions.
Vol. II. Y Y for
S54 ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK.
for he felt a strong presentiment, that he should soon be
the father of two dauphins. He desired the bishop of
Meaux not to leave the queen till she was delivered, and
afterwards turning to us all, said, sufficiently loud to be
beard by the queen, that if another dauphin should be
born, and any of us should divulge the secret, our heads
should answer for it: for, added he, his birth must be a,
secret of state, to prevent the misfortunes which would
evidently follow the disclosure; as the salic law has
been silent concerning the inheritance of a kingdom, oh
the birth of male twins.
The event, which had been foretold, soon after arrived,
for the queen, whilst the king was at supper, gave birth
to a second son much smaller and handsomer than the
first ; and the poor infant, by his incessant cries, seemed
to lament his entrance into a world where so much misery
was in store for him. The chancellor then drew up the
verbal-process of this cxtraordary event, but the king
not approving of the first, it was burnt in our presence,
and it was not till after he liad written a great many that
his majesty was satisfied. The first almoner endea-
voured to persuade the king, that he ought not to conceal
the. birth of a prince; to which his majesty replied, that
a reason of .-^tate absolutely required the most inviolable
.secrecy.
The king soon after dictated the oath of secrecy
which he desired us all to sign; when this important
business was concluded, lie sealed the oath to the verbal
process, and took possession of it. The royal infant was
then given into the hands of the midwife; but, to deter
her from revealing the secret of its birth, she was me-
naced with death if she ever gave the least hint of it;
we were all, likewise, strictly charged not even \o con-
verse with each other on the subject.
His majesty drcadfd notiiing so much as a civil war,
«.nd
ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK. 355
and he thought that the dissentions which would cer-
tainly occur between the two brothers, if they were
brought up as such, would certainly occasion one; the
cardinal, also, when he was invested with the superinten-
dence of the prince's education, did every thing in his
power to keep this apprehension alive.
The king ordered us to examine carefully the poor
child's body, to see if he had any marks by which he
might hereafter be known, if his brother should die ; for
the king always purposed, in that case, to put the royal
infant in possession of his rights ; for this reason, after
having made us all sign the verbal-process, he sealed it
with the royal seal.
During the infancy of the young prince, Madame Pe-
ronnette, the midwife, treated him as if he were hei- own
son; but from her great care and manner of living,
every one suspected that he was the illegitimate son of
some rich nobleman.
As soon as the prince's infancy was over. Cardinal
Mazarin, on whom his education had devolved, con-
signed him to my care, with orders to educate him in a
manner suitable to the dignity of his birth, but in private.
Mad. Peronnette continued to attend him, in my house
in Burgundy, till her death ; and they were warmly at-
tached to each other.
I had frequent conversations with the queen during
the subsequent disturbances in this kingdom; and her
majesty has often said to me, that if the prince's birth
should be discovered during the life of the young king,
his brother, the mal-contents would, she feared, take
advantage of it to raise a revolt among the people; ior,
she added, that it was the opinion of many able physi
cians, that the last-born of twins was the first conceived,"
and of course the eldest. This fear did not, however,
prevent the queen from preserving, with the greatest
y V <Z care.
556 ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK.
care, the written testimonies of the prince's birth; for
she intended, if any accident had befallen his brother,
to have recognised him, though she had another son. '
The young prince received as good an education, as I
could have wished to have received mj'self in similar
circumstances; and a better one than was bestowed on
the acknowledged princes.
When he was about nineteen, his desire to know who
he was increased to a great degree, and he tormented
me with continual solicitations to make him acquainted
with the author of his existence ; the more earnest
he was, the more resolute ^^ere my refusals ; and when
he saw that his entreaties did not avail, he endeavoured
to persuade me that he thought he was my son. Often
when he called me by the tender name of father, did 1
tell him that he deceived himself; but, at length, seeing
that he persevered in this opinion, I ceased to contra-
dict him, and gave him reason to believe that he was
really my son. He appeared to credit this, with a view,
no doubt, of forcing me by these means to reveal the
truth to him; as I afterwards learned that he was, at
that very time doing all in his power to discover who he
was.'
Two years elapsed in this manner, when an imprudent
«ction, for which I shall ever reproach myself, revealed
to him the important secret of his birth. He knew that
I had received, at that time, mciny expresses from the
king; and this circumstance, probabi}'', raised some
doubts in his mind, which he sought to clear up by
opening my scrutoirc, in which I had imprudently left
many letters from the queen and the cardinal. He read
them; and their contents, aided by his natural penetra-
tion, discovered the whole secret to him.
I observed about this time, that his manners were
quite changed, for instead of treating me with that affec-
tion
ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE lEON MASK. 35?
tion and respect which I was accustomed to receive from
him, he became surly and reserved. This alteration at
first surprised me, but I too soon learnt the cause.
My suspicions were first roused by his asking me, with
great earnestness, to procure him the portraits of the
late and present king, I told him in answer, that there
had been no good resemblances of cither drawn yet;
and that I would wait till some eminent painter should
execute their pictures.
This reply, which he appeared extremely dissatisfied
with, was followed by a request to go to Dijon: the ex-
treme disappointment he expressed on being refused,
alarmed me, and from that moment I watched his mo-
tions more closely. I afterwards learnt that his motive
for wishing to visit Dijon was, to see the king's picture;
he had an intention also of going from ihence to the
court, that was then kept at St. Jean-de-Luz, to see, and
compare himself with his brother.
The young prince was then extremely beautiful; and
he inspired such an affection in the breast of a young
chambermaid, that, in defiance of the strict orders which
all the domesticks had received, net to give the prince
anything he required without my permission, she pro-
cured him the king's portrait,
As soon as the unhappy prince glanced his eye on it,
he was forcibly struck by its resemblance to himself; and
well he might, for one portrait would have served for
them both. — This sight confirmed all his doubts, and
made him furious. lie instantly flew to me, exclaim-
jng, in the most violent passion. This is the king! and I
am his brother: here is an undeniable proof of it. He
then shewed me a letter from Cardinal Mazarin that he
had stolen out of my scrutoirc, in which his birth was
mentioned.
I now feared that he would contrive means to escape to
the
558 ACCOUNT or the man ■with TItE IRON MASK.
the court duifing the celebration of his brother's nup-
tials ; and to prevent this meeting, which I greatly dread-
ed, 1 soon after seni a messenger to the king to inform
him of the prince's having broken open my scrutoire; by
ivhich means he bad discovered the secret of his birth ;
1 also informed hi in the effect this discovery had pro-
duced in ills mind. On the receipt of this ^Mter, his
Majesty instantly ordered us both to be imprisoned. The
cardinal was charged witli this order ; and at the Sxime
lime acquainted the prince, t'nat his improper conduct
•was the cause of our common misfortune.
I Inive continued from that time till this moment a
fellow prisoner with the priu'-e ; and now feeling that the
awful sentence to depart this life has been pronounced by
my heavenly Judge, I can no longer refuse to <;alm both
my own mind and my pupil's, by a candid declaration of
this important fact, which may enable him to extricate
himself from his present ignominious state, if the king
should die without issue. Ought I to be obliged by a
forced oath to keep a secret inviolably, with which poste-
rity ought to be acquainted ■
This is the historical memoir which the regent delivered
to the princess : it does not, indeed, certify that this prince
was the prisoner known by the name of the iron-mask,
but all the foregoing facts agree so well with the extra-
ordinary anecdotes related of this mysterious pca'sonage,
that it appears beyond contradiction, that this memoir
fills up the vacuum relative to the beginning of his life.
I will therefore sulyoinsome of the authentick anecdotes
which have been given to the publick of the Iron Mask,
since he arrived with Mr. de Saint-Mars at the state pri-
son in the Lde Sainte Marguerite.
I'he first person who inentions the Iron-mask is an
anon^'mons author, in a work entitled, Memoirs ol the
Court of Persia; he related many authei\liek anecdotes,
respect u\i^
ACCOtINT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK. 359
respecting the prisoner, but is totally mistaken in his
conjectures concerning his r^nk. These memoirs no
sooner appeared, than a crowd of literary men endea-
voured to prove who this prisoner was whose extraordi-
nary treatment had excited such universal curiosity. One
asserted that he was the Duke of Beaufort, who was cer-
tainly killed by the Turks whilst he was defending Can-
dia, in the year 1699. For in the first place it is well
known that the Iron-mask was in confinement at Pigne-
jol belbre he came to the Isle Saint JNlarguerite, in the
year l6G2: besides, how was it possible for the duke to
be stolen from his army so secretly as to escape disco-
very? For what reason also was he imprisoned? and why
was it necessary for him to be constantly masked ? Others
contested, that the prisoner was the Count Vermandois,
a natural son of Louis the XlVth, who died publicly of
the small-pox in \6SS. Another author contended, that
he was the duke of Monmouth, v.ho was beheaded at
London in l67o : even allowing it possible that Louis
would have consented to imprison the Duke to oblige
king James, is it probable that he would have continued
the pleasing office of jailor, after his death, to oblige a
sovereign with whom he was at war ?
All these chijneras are now dissipated by this impor-
tant relation ; and the uncommon precautions whicli
were used to conceal the face of the man in the iron-
mask, is a further proof that he was the identical prince
mentioned in tlie memoirs; for he was never permitted
to walk in the court of the Bastille without his mask :
which he was forbiddcR to take off, even in the presence
of his physicians. Would this precaution have been
taken, if his face hud not been a striking likeness of one
well known throughout all France ? and what face could
this be but that of his brother, Louis the XlV'fh, to
whom this unfortunate prince bore so great a resemblance
that
360 ACCOUNT OF THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK.
that a slight glance of hhn, it was feared, would have
Letrayed the secret which was so ardently wished to be
concealed? Wh}', also, had he an Italian name given
-him, though he had no foreign accent? for in the regis-
ter of his burial at St. Paul's church he is called Marchi-
ali. Voltaire seems to have been the only writer who
was acquainted with the mystery of this extraordinary
prisoner's birth ; though, notwithstanding he related
manv autheritick anecdotes of him, he carefully concealed
it.
We will now give the reader a succinct account of the
man in the iron mask, extracted from the writings of
Voltaire, and many other eminent authors. A few
months after the death of cardinal Mazarin, a young
prisoner arrived at the Isle of Sainte Marguerite,
whose appearance excited universal curiosity; his man-
ners were graceful and dignified, his person above the
middle size, and his face extremely handsome. On the
way thither he constantly wore a mask made with iron
springs, to enable him to eat without taking it off. It
was, at first, believed that this mask was made entirely
of iron, from whence he acquired the name of the man
with the iron mask. His attendants had received orders
to kill him, if he attempted to take off his mask, or dis-
cover himself.
The prisoner remained in this isle till the year 169O,
when the governor of Pignerol being promoted to the
government of the Bastille, conducted him to that for-
tress. In his way thither, he stopped with him at his
estate near Palteau. Tiie prisoner arrived there in a
iitier, surrounded by a numerous guard on horseback.
Mr. de Saint Mars ate at the same table with him
all the time they resided at Palteau; but the latter
was always placed with his back towards the win-
dows ; and the peasants, w horn curiosity kept con-
stantly
AN' ACCOUNt OF THE MAN WITH THE IKON MASK. SGl
stantlv on the watch, observed that Mr. de Saint Mars
always sat apposite him with two pistols by the side
of his plate. They were waited on by one servant
only^ who received the dishes in the anti-chamber_, and
always shut the dining-room door carefully after him
when he went out. The prisoner was always masked,
even when he passed through the court; the governor
also slept in a bed in the same room with him. In the
course of their journey, the iron-mask vas, one day,
heard to ask his keeper, whether the king had any de-
sign on his life? No, my prince, he replied, provided
that you allow yourself to be conducted without oppo-
sition, your life is perfectly secure. The s: ranger was ac-
commodated as well as it was possible to be in the Bas-
tile; and every thing he expressed a desire for waa in-
stantly procured him. He was particularly partial to
fine linen, which did not proceed from vanity, for he
was really in want of it; because his constant confine-
ment, and sedentary life, had rendered his skin so deli-
cate, that, unless his linen Avas extremely fine, it incom-
moded him,
He was also fond of playing on the guitar. He never
complained of his confinement, nor gave a hint of his
rank. The tones of his voice were uncommonly pleas-
ing and interesting.
He was served constantly in plate; and the governor
always placed his dishes on the table himself} and when
he entered, or retired, he locked the door after him. He
tutoiyoit (theed and thoued) the governor, who, on the
contraiy, treated him with the greatest respect, and
never wore his hat, or sat down in his presence, unless
he was desired.
Whilst he resided at Sainte Marguerite, he wrote his
name on a plate, and threw it out of his window towards
a. boat lying at the foot of the tower. A fisherman picked
Vol. H. 2 2 it
SGQ. an account of the man ^ITIl-AN IRON MASK.
it up, and carried it to the governor. He was alarmed
at the sight of it; and asked the man with great anxiety,
whether he could read, and whether any one else had
seen the plate? I cannot read, rephed the fisherman;
and no one else has seen the plate, as I have this instant
found it. The man was, however, kept till the governor
was well assured of the truth of his assertions.
He made another attempt to make himself known^
which was e(;ually unsuccessful. A young man, who
lived in the isle, one day perceived something floating
under the prisoner's window, and on picking it up, he
discovered it to be a very fine shirt, written all over. He
carrried it immediately to the governor, who, after un-
folding it, appeared in the greatest consternation. He
enquired of the young man whether he had had the
curiosity to read what was written on it? He answejcd
no; but notwithstanding this reply, he was found, a few
days after, dead in his bed.
The fate of the Iron^mask excited great curiosity; and
i. young officer, who visited Mr. de Saint Mars, when
he resided at Sainte Marguerite, was so desirous to see
him, that he bribed a sentinel, who was stationed in a
gallery under the prisoner's window, to let him take his
place for a shorf time. — He had a perfect view of him
from thence, as he was then without his mask. His face
was fair and handsome; and his person tall, and finel/
formed. His hair was perfectly grey, though he wasonl^
in the flower of his age. He bpent the whole night if
walking up and down the room.
Father Griflet, in his Journal of the Bastile, sfiys,
that on the 8th of September, I698, INlr. de Saint Mars,
newly-created governor of that fortress, made his first
entrance into it, bringing with him an ancient pri-
soner, whom he had taken care of at Pigncrol, and at
the lale Sainte Marguerite. His ua*ue was not meutioned,
aad
AN ACCOUNT O' Till: MAN WITH AN IIJON MASK. ."O.)
and 1)0 \\as kept coiislaiitlv masked. Au aparliruiit uas
pr('[>aied (or liiiii, bv ortlcr of the govcMior, Lxlore liis
arrival, litted up in the iu(i>l coiivciiieiit style. V\ hen
he was allowed to jjo to iiia^s, he was strictly lorbiddcii
to s[)eak', (jr uiienver lii-> lace; and orders were liiveii to
the suldieis to lire upon hin» il" he attempted cither. A:i
lie passeil t!iroiii;li the (.•oiut^ their jiieccs were aiwavs
pointed towards iiiin.
'iliis nnrortiniatc [)rinee died the I'llhot" Novcmher,
17():Jj alter a short illness, and was buried in St. Patd's
rhurch. The ex[)eiicc «jf hi^ fmieral amounted onh' to
forty livrcs. His real natne and iiij;c wcne concerded IVoiii
the priests who buried him; <"(>r, in the r<>t;ister made
ol" his Juneral^ it was mentione<l, that he was about (orty
years old; and he luul told his aj^j'. becary, .some time
bf^fore his death, that he thought he must be sixty.
It is a well-kii<nvn iael, that every thinq which he liad
r.sed was, aiter his tie. ■th, burnt and destroyed ; even to
llie donrs ct" his prison. Ills plate was iiK.'lted down;
and the walls ol his chamber wtfre scrapi^d and wliito
wa>lied. Nay, such was the I'ear ol" his having left a
letter or any mark, wliicdi might lead to discover wiio he
was, that the vei v Moor of his room was taken up, and
the ceiling taken down. In short, every corner was
searched into, that no trace might remain of him.
The result of these extraordinary accounts is, that the
iron-mask must havr" been a person of great consequence;
and what i)erson enuld have been of suflicicnt consr-
quence, excepting this prince, to give rise to the above-
mentioned precautions to prevent any discovery of
his face and rank. Tor, on the slightest piobabilitv of
a, dis(M)very, the governor expressed the greatest con-
sternation; and the eHeelual steps which he took to
silence all thosi- who were so unfortunate as in liiul am-
Vhing on which the poor prisoner had writteu, wai ano-
z z ii fh,:^
:3t»t ACCOl'NT OF A MURDER I.N r 1;1P1M,E.C, ATE PARISH.
ther stiiking proof thai his beiiiL^ oonrcalod u:is oi' the.
iitinosi coiiso<pic:icc to the king and the minir,tiy.
jln Accuunf, 6)C. of <t Mvkder, conDnlitcd in CiIipple-
GATE pAiusii, Dec. 1'), Kifjo, related by Mr, Smi-
iiiiES, Curat < nj thai Pari^/i, and attested h\j jJk.
rO"WLr.K, iiu-.l }l,':://Cp .''/■ G LOVC>:5.TEU.
i. IlRl-.r. nw/A I iiiiic to aMr. Slockcicn's house in tlio
fvouinu, aiiu c.'.llod jor urii:k, and staid kite, thouuU
JNJr. Stoc'kd'ju cK.-iird thom lo be gone. As lie s.it in hi^
I hail", cue of thcr.i cried come, and imnicdiaiely seized
him, and i\Iary Footman hii kinswoman and house-
kee[)er, l)Ound her, and thrust a handkcMchiel' into her
mouth ; two ul" liiem .-;tr::nglcd ^ir. Sloekden with a iin-
iicn cloth, si ruck him willi tlie lock of a pistol on tlic
forehead, and kilUd him. They took what money and
{date they could Hml.
Soon after .Mr. Stockden appeared to IVIrs Greenwood^
a neighbour (in a drtum) and shewed her a Imuse in
Thames Street, where Mriynaid one of the murderers
■was ; the next morning slie went and en([uired for iiim,
and was inlonnt.d he was just gone out. Mr. Stockdeu
appeared again, and described him, and told her a AVire-
drawcr must take him; one of thiu trade, and his inti-
mate, was ;ic eordingly I'ound, w ho lur a rewaYd of Ten
Pounds wTij [ne ailed upon to umlertake it: uj)on which
he v/as taken, .\;id c;;.. . • > Newgate, confessed the
fact, and impeached t... others. Marsh, Bcvil, and
Mercer. jViarsh, though ;.ot present at the murder, was
lie setter on, and liaila share of the booty; antl hearing
of the iiifurmatioii against him, ran auay.
.Mr. Stoekden a[)j)earc'd again to Mr.-*. Greenwood, and
led her to a lioiu-c in Old ^irt^ J, hewed lier a.})air of
ttairs.
P1.K20NS Dr.SlUOYEU B V INTERNAL FinE. 305
-Uiif'^.^ ;tiul lohl her one of tlicm Iodised tluTc. Thithcc
tlie iicxL moniiiiijj she went, lie;inl of liiiiij and hy [)ur-
i;uiiii)- IVoni phiu'.' b) |>hice, M;ii.-;h was lukcii,
Jievi! \v;is d;'^e!,•\\M^ '. in '.I'-.c I/Uiiiijc i \>\ Mrs. Ci'kx iiwo.i'i
t]ic;ui)i!)^- tiiat Ml. S :,' Kcica hud her ovei' the bridL^e, up
f lie Ijoroi;::!) i.;Lo a y;u<i. 'rhereii|>()n she went the nexi (]dj
io llrj Mi\.i>\:\.\y"a, \vh(,i',' siu; found him, heln^- l)i()ii;j,ht
liiilh^r fur eulni;!^'; lie was reiuovc ! io 2Se\V'.;aLf, and
<:oiii"cs:'>ed lite iaet,
?»lereer d I not. consenL to llie niurdiT of Mr. Stoek-
den, aiiJ ■:■. a\ the lile of Mrs FooUnan ; jk.-i did
lS\i>.. "'.ccnw.. .1 dream a.nv thini; eoneerninq, him. lie
beeame evidenee and escaped ; tlu oihij" three were exe-
cuted. xMu-r this ^[r. Stoek I. ii came lo licr and said,
" ClizabeLh, 1 ihank ihce, the (Jod of Heaven reward
thce, for what thou hast dune!" alter whieh bho rep'jsed
(|uiet.
rAniiii;R accl>\ nt or i'lk^ons uEsiuoviiD hy init.i..-
N \1. !■ IKK.
ICojicluilt'ilfrom Page 341.]
IN a ^leuioir on spontaneous burnin'^, Le Cat mcntion.5
several otlier instances of condjustion of the huuKiii
body. Having, says he, spent several months at llheinis
in tlic years J7'24, and 17-J, 1 lodged at the house of
Sieur Millet, whcse wile got inloxieated every day.
Tiie domestic concerns of the family were managed by a
pretty liandsoine young girl, Wj[iieh 1 must not omit lo
remark, in order tiiat all the circumstances wiiich I am
about to reiale mav be betit r undeisiood. 'lliis woman
V. aa found consnmed (ju the 'iOih of l'e!)iiiary, 17 --"i, ^it
the distance ci" a foot and a lialllrs^i:! the hearth in her
kitcix.'M. A pair of her head only, uilh a portion ol the
lower <'x;iemities. and a lew of liie verlebrx. hail cse.i])-
ed combustion. A fowL and a half ol" tlic flooriug under
the bodv had bceu consumed ; but a kneading-trough
find a tlour-tnli wnich ucre very near tlic body su^Tuincd.
no injiirv. M. Chiiteen, a surgeon, examined the re-
main? ot' the body with every judicial formahty, Jeaji
]\liUet, tb.c husband, being interrogated ])y tlie Judges,
who instituted the enquiry into the affair, deehnred, that
about ci'jht in the evening of the jfjih of Tebruary, he
had retired lo rest with his wife, who not being able to
slcpp, had gone into the kitchen, where he thought she
\v;!S warming herself; that having fallen asleep, he was
wakcn*'d ulxmt two o'clock by an infectious odour, and
tiiat having run to the kitchen, he found the remains of
his >\ife in the state described in the re[)ort of the physi-
cians and surgeons. The judges having no suspicion of
the real cause of this event, prosecuted the all air with
the utmost diligence. It was very unfoitunate for Mil-
let, that he had a handsome servant maid, lor neither
]]is [irobitj- nor innocence was able to save hiui fiom the
.'^iis^ncion of having got rid of his wife by a concerted
plot, and of having arranged the circumstances in such
a manner as to give it th(" appearance of an acculent.
lie experienced, therefore, the whole severity of the
hiwi and though by an appeal to a superior and very en-
lightened court, which discovered the cause of ihe com-
bustion, he came ofl' vicloritnis, he suffered so much
iioia uneasiness of mind that he was obliged to ^ass the
remainder of his melancholy days in a hospital.
Another instanc'e almost exactly similar to the preced-
ing is also related by Le Cat. M. Boineau, cure of
l'ler(pier Tiear Dol, bays he, wrote to me the following
letter, dated Tv-hruary 22, 1749. — Allow me to commu-
nicate tu you a fact which took place here about a fort-
nigl'.t ago, Madame de Boiseon, eighty years of age,
exceedingly meagre, who luul d/unk nothing but spirits
for
PERSONS Di^TUOTM; UY INTT-RNAL fJltr, 5^)7
f<>r several years, wassittinu in lur elbow cliair luforL' tlie
lire, .vhile licr wailin^-inaicl unit out of llie loom a lew
moiiifiits. ()\i liei leLiini, seeing lier ini>lre>s on lire, slu.'
iinincdiaU'lygave an alarui,aiKl scjiuc j)eo|)le havhiLJi; come
lolier assistance, one of them enrleavourefl to ext;ii^uis|i
the Haiues with liia hands, but they adhered to it as it" ihcy
had been di[)()ed in brandy or oil on lire. AV'aler was
Lruught and thrown on the lady in abundance, yet thti
fire ajipeared more violent, and was not extinguishcrl liU
she was all eonsiuned. lier skeleton, exeee<lin^ly b!a<;k,
remained entire in the chair, which was onl\' a lift'e
■jcorelied,- one leu; onlv mul the two isands (letaeh':-d
themselves Irom the rest of the bones. It is not kn(j\\ a
whether lier clothes cauL;ht fire by a()[)roaelMni; the
gra*v.. The lady was in the same place in which she saL
eve.v day; there was no extraordinary lire, and r,he had
Hot tallen. What makes me su[)pose that the u<e of
spirits might I'.ave prcniuced this effect, is that 1 Jiave
been assuied, tliat at the gate of Dinan an accident of
the like kind iia]>pcned to another woinan^ under similar
circumstances.
To the above wc shall add two other faet^ of the same
kind published in the Journal dc MctUcine (Vol. Oy. p.
440.) The first took j)laee at Aix in Provence, and i-;
thus related by Mnraire a sur^^eon : In the month of Fe-
bruary 1770, Mary JaulFrct, widow of Nicholas Gravicr,
shoemaker, a short woman, but exceedingly corpulent,
and addicted to drinking, having been buined iu her
tipartment, my colleague, M. Hocas, who was com-
missioned to make h re])ort respecting her body, found
nothing but a mass of ashes and a few bones, calcincc*
in such a manner, that on the least pressure tliey we*
reduced to dust. The bones of the craniunj, one Ir'*^
ajid a foot Lad in part ticaped th(j acLiou oi" djf ^'^^'
Ne*<r
)GH
I'lajsoNs ur.5Ti;ovr.D wv i :> t l iiN a i. riRK,
Xcur llicsc remains stood a tai>le iiiitouclu-clj and iuh'lv-:r
tlic li.!>!e u ^niall wcKnlen stove, ilie cfratinc^ of whieii
liaving been long burni'd, allordcd an a])Cilure tlHOiig'u
wliieh piolta'oly, Lhc lire whieh occasioned (lie n^elan-
clioly accident was eoniuiiia'..nlcd : one chiv,'- wl-iich
stood t(n) near liic flames luid the seat and ibrc-fect
hui iied. In otlier rcs[)ects there was no appearance of
(ire, either in the chimney or thii nj;artnient ; so that,
excepting the loic-parl of the eliair, it aj)pears to mc
that, no other comb'.istil/ie matter conliibnted to tl.'is
speedy incineraiion whieh was efleeted in the .-pace oi
seven or eight hotns.
'I'hc second iiiilant'C took phice at Caen, and is tlius
lokited by MerilK^ ;i surgeon of that city. Iking ix-^-
<]U(sled on ihe .";d ol" Jur.e, 17SC, by llie king's olliccrs to
thaw np a report of the state in which 1 found Made-
moiselle Tiiiiars, vvlio is said to have been burned, I
made llic lollou imj; observations. — The body la}' with the
crow n of the head resting against one of the and.rons,
at the distance i)f cighieen inches iVom the 'Ire; the re-
in.under of the lujdy was placed eblicpiely 'ocforc the
chimney, the whole being nothing but a niass of a.shcs.
liven the most solid bones had lost their form and con-
sistence ; none ol" ihem could l)C distinguished, except-
ing the eoron;d, the two parietal bones, the tv.o lumbar
Vertebra", a [mrtion of the tibia, and a })art of 4he om-
bplate : a.id these were so calcined that they became
dust by the least [)ressiu"e. The right foot was found en-
tire, and seorelietl at its upper junction ; the left was
more burned. The day was cold, but there was nothing
'ii Llie grate cxcej)llng two or three bits t>f wood about an
^'"h in diameler, burnt in the middle. None of the
^^" iiure in the ai)artment was damaged. The chair in
^■"'^> Mademoisene Thuars h;;d been >ltting was iuund
^^ '•"<•' distance of a i'ooi. from lu'i, a;ul ubiolulclv un-
touched
ANECDOTES OF JAMES BURNS. SGQ
touched. I must here observe that this lady was exceed-
ingly corpulent, that she was above sixty years of age,
and much addicted to spirituous liquors ; that on the day
of her death, she had drank three bottles of wine, and
about a bottle of brandy ; and that the consumption of
the body took place in less than seven hours, though ac-
cording to appearance, nothing round the body was burnt
but the clothes.
TO^THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM, OR MAGA-
ZINE OF REMARKABLE CHARACTERS.
Sir,
On perusing the Account of the Ventriloquist, James Borss, (in the §rst
Vol. of your Museum, i>age 230) given by j-our Correspondent Veritas, I
was reminded of some Anecdotes of him which I had in my possession, as
well as his Portrait, taken in the year 1794, both of which you will find,
inclosed. I should hare transmitted them to you before your first Volum«
Was concluded, to follow the Account of Veritas, had I then known his
real name, but j'ou will be pleased to observe, that lie alwaj's went by th«
name of" Shelford Tommy," or " Squeaking Tommy," while he resided in
Nottinghamshire, and his real name was unknown to the generality of the
people. There has not aS yet been any regular history of him published
down to his death : the fellowing Anecdotes are selected from Throsby's
History of Nottinghamshire, and other authorities, or communicated by
persons of respectability, whose veracity I could depend upon. If you
think they are worthy of being classed among the many remarkable Cha-
racters in your Repository, by allowing them, with the plate, a place la
some of the future numbers of the same, it will confer an obligation oa
Your Humble Servant,
Nottingham, ^pril 1804. D. B L.
Anecdotes q/" James Burns, formerly a conspicuous Cha"
racter in the Counti/ of Nottingham, with his Portrait.
(Never before published.)
1 HAT eccentric and well known Character, James
Burns, (more generally known by the appellations of
*' Shelford Tommy," or "^ Squeaking Tommy,)" the cele-
brated Ventriloquist, was a native of Ireland, butre-
V'oL. II. A A u sided
370 ANECDOTES OF JAMES Bt'RNS.
sided several years in this kingdom. Having marrieS a
wife at Shelford, he always afterwards considered that vil-
lage as his home, whenever his inclination led^ or eccen-
tricity suffered him to desist, for short intervals, from his
perambulations through different parts of this country.
He had several liberal offers from different companies of
Itinerants to induce him to engage with them for limited
periods, in the exercise of his wonderful and extraordi-
nary faculty; but as Tommy's mind could not brook the
idea of confinement, he never thought proper to accede
to their proposals. Although he was a bird of passage,
he was most frequently to be seen at Nottingham, where
^y his extraordinary natural powers he, in a great mea-
sure, subsisted for some years. He always carried in
his pocket, an ill-shaped doll with a broad face, wrapped
up in a piece of linen cloth, which he exhibited at pub-
lic houses on race-days, fair-dnys, market-days. See. as
giving utterance to his own childish jargon. The gaz-
ing crowd gathered around him to see this wooden baby,
and hear as they supposed its speeches.
Among the many ludicrous, but well attested and sin-
gular anecdotes related of this extraordinary man, the
following are not the least v.orthy of recording :
Tommy was one day in the month of June, 1789, at
rhe week-day cross, at Nottingham, and there so muck
sur])rized a country girl in a frolicsome moment, by her
hearing as she thought, a child speak to her, and seeing
none, that her Jistonishment w as wrought up to such s
pitch, as to bring on a succession of alarming fits, by
which the poor girl suffered for some time. This wan-
ton exercise of his talents got Tommy a lodging for
a short time in the House of Correction by order of the
magistrates; William Smith, Esq- then mayor of the
town.
Some tune in the month of March 1790^ ^^^ writer of
this
ANECDOTES OF .TAMES BUR^'S. 371
this sketch was in the shop of the late Mr. Barton, a
respectable grocer, who lived at the bottom of Hollow-
stone, which is the south entrance into the town of Not-
tingham, when Tommy entered and purchased an ounce
of tobacco, and turning himself round apparently
as if going out, he observed a young man belong-
ing to the shop, with his hand in a large cannistcr (which
stood on the opposite side of the shop, getting tea out of
it into a smaller one. Tommy immediately threw a
sound to the bottom of the cannister, and imitated the
groans of an animal as if at the point of death so natu-
rally, that the young man as well as Mr. Barton stood
aghast at the noise, and were preparing to search the
cannister, when 1 undeceived them, by informing them
of the real cause, as I had several times before been
witness to his extraordinary powers as a Ventriloquist.
Another of his jokes is told thus: In August 179-^
following John Badderly, (who was then servant to a
respectable farmer at Car-(>olston; upon the public high-
way between Bingham and Newark, driving a waggon
top laden with trusses of hay, he so artfully imitated the
crying of a child, as proceeding from the middle of the
hay, that tlie waggoner stopped his horses several times
on the road, to examine the waggon, conceiving that
the cries of the child came from within his carriage.
But on examining the hoy at the tail of the waggon, he
could discover no child, and consequently proceeded on
his journey, with the wily Ventriloquist by his side. The
noise was several times repeated, and the waggoner was
induced through motives of humanity, seconded by the
earnest entreaties of Tommy {he kindly offering his as-
sistance) to unlade the waggon, expecting on the remo-
val of each truss to find the fiarmless infant, particularly
as the cries became louder and more frequent. — Tommy
having thus succeeded in getting the hay of the waggon,
A A a 2 aftej
372 ANECDOTES OF JAMES BURNS.
after laughing heartily at the countryman's simpUcity,
left him to replace the same in the best manner he could,
the poor fellow bestowing on him in return a volley of
heart}' curses.
Our Ventriloquist was at anotber time in the house of
"Mr. Hogg, who kept the Milton's-head Inn, Cow-lane,
Nottingham, and who at that time was a stranger to his
extraordinary powers, where a servant girl in the kitchen
was about to dress some fish, not long taken from the
river Trent, but apparently dead. — When she was about
to cut off the head of one of them. Tommy at the instant
she laid the knife on the fish's neck, uttered in a plain-
tive voice, " don't cut my head off" The^irl upon this
being much alarmed, and knowing not whence the voice
proceeded, hastily drew the knife from the little fish and
stood for sometime in motionless amazement. At length,
however, recovering herself, and not seeing the fish stir,
she hud courage to proceed to her business, and took up
her knife the second time, to sever the head from the
body. Tommy at that moment uttered rather sharply,
but mournfully, '' zchat r/ou zcill cut my head offT' Upon
which the frightened female threw down the knife, and
positively refused to dress the fish.
The following is another anecdote of him. — In Sep'
tember ] 795, going to a fish stall, in Shefiield, he asked
the price of a tench, which being lold him, he took the
fish in his hand, and crammed a finger into its gills,
opened its mouth, at the same time asking " zchether it
Tcas fresJiT' to which the fish-woman replied, '< I vow
to God it zcas in the tcatcr yesterday." Tommy imme-
diately threw a sound into the fish's mouth, which arti-
culated, " It is a d d lie, I have not been in the water
this zceek, and you know it very well." The woman con-
scious that she had been telling an untruth, was struck
with the utmost consternation. She felt the reproof
with
OBSERVATIONS ON GIANT3. S73
V, ith all the force of a miracle, and such TV'cre its whole-
some effects^ that she is said to liave been more cautious
in her assertions concerning her fish ever since.
This singular character died on Thursday the 7th of
January, 179^, at SheUbrd, near Bingham, in the Coun-
ty of Nottingham.
Observations on Giants, with an Jccoimt of some Fcr^ovs
zcho have exceeded the ordinary Stature, and a Ijcscrip-
tion of the gigantic Inhabitants of Patagonia.
V HAT there exist men of a stature considerably above
the ordinary standard, ^Yith more or less regularity of
proportion, the celebrated O'Brien affords ocular demon-
stration. It is but natural to suppose, and indeed it i»
confirmed by the concurrent testimony of numerous wri-
ters, that such instances have been seen in every age.
Respecting the stature of ditfercnt individuals, as re-
corded by various authors, it is necessary to make a few
remarks before I proceed to the proposed subject of the
present paper.
In all the accounts of giants that have been handed
down to us from the most remote period of antiquity, we
find none of any living individual, who arrived .at a
greater height than nine, or at most ten feet, whence it
may be fairly inferred, that these dimensions are the nc
plus ultra of human growth. Supposing this to be the
case, (and of this opinion I must profess myself to be)
the pretended discoveries of immense human skeletons,
related by many respectable writers, must be regarded as
altogether fabulous.
Numbers of incidents of this kind are to be met with,
for the authenticity of which we have no other voucher
ihan the confidence due to first rate historians, but who
mi2:ht
S74. OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS.
might themselves have been deceived in the credit they
gave to the relations of others from whom they borrowed
the facts. In order to gratify the curiosity of our rea-
ders, we shall introduce a few incidents of this nature.
During the Cretan war, the rivers and waters are said
to have risen to an unusual height, making various
breaches in the earth. When the floods had retired, in a
deep cleft and great fall of the earth, was found the
body of a man, measuring thirty-three cubits, or forty-
nine feet and a half. Metellus the Roman general, and
his lieutenant Lucius Flacius, allured by the novelty of
the report, went on purpose to view it, and were con-
vinced of the truth of what they had before regarded as
a fable.
Pliny, in his natural histor\', speaks of a mountain in
Crete, that had been overturned by an'earthquake, where
a body was found standing upright, sixty -nine feet in
height; and Plutarch says, that upon opening a se-
pulchre in jNIauritania, a carcase was found of the enor-
mous length of seventy cubits, or one hundred and five
feet !
Philostrato informs us, that by the falling in of one of
the banks of the Orontes, a body forty-six feet in length
was discovered in the sepulchre belonging to the Ethio-
pian Ariadnes. He adds that in a cavern of Mount
Sigea, the body of a giant was found measuring upwards
of thirty icet.
In the 58th Olympiad, by the admonition of the oracle,
the body of Orestes was found at Tegica by the Spartans,
and its length was exactly seven cubits or above ten feet.
In the description of Sicily by the historian, Thomas
Tasellus, we read, that in the year 1.S42, some rustics
having been digging at the foot of Mount Erix, noW
called Monte de Tripani, they discovered a large ca-
vern.
OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS. 37-5
vern, known by the appellation of the giant's cavern, in
which they saw the body of a colossal figure seated. He
had in his hand, says the historian, the mast of a vessel
for a stick, in which was enclosed a mass of lead weiirh-
ing 1500 pounds.
The same writer tells us, that in 1516, John Franci-
forte. Count of Mazarine, having caused a pit to be
dug, in a plain about a mile distant from the village of
i^hich he was the lord, found in a sepulchre, the body
of a Gfiant measurinsr thirtv feet. -
In 1547, Paul Lcontino, examining the soil at the
foot of a mountain in the territory of Palermo, prepara-
tory to the erection of saltpetre works, met with the bod^'
©f a giant twenty-seven feet in length.
Tasellus likewise says, that in a small villa'ge between
Syracuse and Lcontium, a great number of sepulchres,
and gigantic skeletons were discovered, and that many
more of the like kind were met with near the ancient
village of Hicara, which the Sicilians call Carini, in an
immense cavern situated at the foot of a mountain.
But Sicily is not the only place where mighty carcases
and enormous skeletons are said to have been found.
Phlegenitral assures us, that in the famous cavern of
Diana, in Dalmatia, many bodies were discovered of the
length of six yards. He likewise tells us that the Car-
thaginians when sinking their trenches, met with two
coffins, each containing the skeleton of a giant. The
length of the one was twenty-three, and of the other
twenty-four cubits. He adds, that in the Cimmerian
Bosphorus, an earthquake having thrown down a hill, se-
veral huge bones were found, which being arranged ac-
cording to the disposition of the human body, formed an
enormous skeleton twenty-four cubits in length.
Saxo the grammarian relates, that the giant Harte-
benunf was thirteen feet and a half high, but that he had
twelve companions who were each twenty eight feet.
S?6 OBSERVATIONS ON GIAKTS*
Pioafetta says, that he met with men amons: the can-
nibals twice the size of an European ; and that in the
sti'aights of Magellan there exist men of prodigious sta-
ture.
Melchior Nugnez, in his letters from India, speaks of
soldiers who guarded the gates of the imperial city of
Pekin, in China, of the formidable size of fifteen feet.
The history of tlie giant Pallas is related by a number
of giave authors^ who all assure us that in the reign of
the Emperor Henry II. the body of a giant was found in
a stone sepulchre near Berne, which^ when standing up-
right, might have overlooked the walls of the city.
This body was as entire as if it had been deposited there
onl}' a short time before. A wound was discovered on
the breast, four feet and a half wide, and on the se-
pulchre the following epitaph was legible:
Filius Evimdri, Pallits, quem laiicea Tumi
Militis occidit, mortc sua jacct liic,
Sigibert relates, that in the year 177 1^ an overflowing
of the water in England, discovered the body of a giant
fifty feet in length.
Eulgesius says, that in the reign of Charles VII, king
of France, a sepulchre, with the bones of a giant thirty
feet long, was to be seen, which the Rhone in its exca-
vations had exposed to view in the hills of Vivarais, op-
posite \ alence.
Coelius Rhodiginus soys, that during the reign of Louis
XI. the body of a giant eighteen feet in length, was dis-
covered upon the banks of a river which flows through
the village of St, Peray, opposite Valence in Dauphine.
According to the rcliiiion of Pather Jerome de Mon-
ceaux, the skeleton of a giant ninety-six feet long, was
found in a wall, in. a village named Chailliot, six leagues
from Thcssalouica, in Macedonia. This fact v,as com-
municated
OBSERVATIONS ON GIANT^. 377
municated to him by Father Jerome de Rhetel, mis-
sionary in the Levant, who in a letter written from the
island of Scio^, adds that this giant's skull was found en-
tire, and was so capacious as to contain 210 pounds of
corn ; that a tooth belonging to the under jaw, when
drawn, weighed fifteen pounds, and was seven inches
two lines in length ; that the smallest bone of the little
toe of one of his feet was equal to it in size; that the
arm bone from the elbow to the v;rist, was two feet four
inches, eight lines round ; and that two soldiers with their
jackets and coats with large sleeves, found no difficulty
in running their arms thus covered through the cvity of
this stupendous bone. Qaenel, French Consul at Thes-
salonica, ordered an account of this monstrous skeleton
to be drawn up and deposited among other public acts in
Chancery. He received from the Pacha, the principal
bones, and purchased the remainder from other persons
who had taken them into their possession.
In digging at the foot of a great oak, commonly call-
ed the Giant's Oak near Ancona, in Italy, v/as found an
entire skeleton of prodigious size. Near this skeleton.
were discovered eleven entire bodies, all nearly of the
same size. These eleven bodies were laid on the back,
with the face turned towards the sky, but the first was
the only one that lay stretched on the belly, and his size
exceeded that of the other eleven, for he measured tea
Roman palms in length, and liis teeth were exactly like
those of a large horse.
Thomas Cornelio relates, that at Triolo, a castle of
Upper Calabria, some labourers discovered in a garden
an entire skeleton measuring eighteen Roman feet in
length i the head was two feet and a half long ; each mo-
lar tooth weighed about an ounce and one third, sopie
more, others less ; and each of <hc other- teeth weighed
upwards of three quarters of an ounc<;. The bones
. ypL, II. B B B were
578 OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS.
were become extremely brittle, and easily crumbled int»
dust; but the teorh were much harder. The skeleton
lay stretched upon a mass of bituminous matter like
pitch.
Thus we are not without numerous authorities to prove
that giants have existed in all ages ; but it must likewise
be allowed, that the improbable size attributed to those
above-mentionpd can scarcely engage our confidence in
behalf of the truth of those tacts. I shall now proceed
to such accounts of persons of extraordinary stature, a?
rest upon undeniable authority, or at least are free from
those circumstances by which the foregoing statement^
are rendered absolutely incredible.
In the Scripture we read of giants who were produced
by the marriages of the sons of God, with the daughters
of men. This passage has, however, been variously in-
terpreted ; so that it is doubtful whether the word there
translated giants, implies any extraordinary stature. In
other parts of Scripture, giants with their dimensions are
spoken of in such a manner as to admit of no doubt;
as in the case of Og, king of Bashan and Goliah.
Og, we are told, was " of the remnant of the giants,"
fcis bed-stead was of iron, nine cubits in length, and four in
breadth ; that is about thirteen feet by six. The height
of the champion of Gath was six cubits and a span,
'which is equal to about nine feet three inches. He had
a. helmet of brass, and was armed with a coat of mail,
the wei<rlit of which was five thousand shekels of brass;
*' and the staff* of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and
his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron."
The Roman En)peror Maximin, equally remarkable
for his extraordinary stature and uncommon strength,
has already been mentioned in yoiu- first volume.
An Arabian, named Gabara, brought to Rome during
th« i"«i^n of th« Eiaptror Claudius, was esteemed the
t^est
OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS. 379
tallest man of that age, being nine feet nine inches in
height.
ViteJlius sent Darius ihe son of Aitabanus an hostage
to Rome, with various presents, which were accompa-
nied by a Jew named Eleazur, of the height of seven
cubits, or ten feet two inches-
. Antonius, born in Syria during the reign of Theodo-
sius, was seven feet seven inches high, but his fe-t were
not proportionate to the magnitude of his body. We
are informed by Nicephorus that he died at the age of
twenty-five.
Aventine," an historian very deserving of credit, a*-
eures us in his work entitled Annals of Bavaria, tluit the
Emperor Cliarleracigne, had in his army a giant named
JEnotherus. a native of Turgau, near the lake of Con-
stance, who threw down whole battaUons with the s ime
case thaf. he would have mowed a field ; but he is iilent
with respect to his dimensions.
I Thuanus, in his account of the incursion made by the
Tartars into the Polish territories, in the year 157j,
speaks of a Tartar of prodigious bulk, who was killecl by
a Pole, " His forehead," he says, *' was twenty-four
fingers broad, and liis body of such magnitude, that the
carcase, as it lay upon the ground, would reach to the
navel of any ordinary person who stood by it."
In the year l6l,3, a young man named Jacobus Dam-
man, then twenty-two years old, was brought to Basil,
and exhibited as a shew on account of his extraordinary
stature. He had then no beard, his body and limbs
being strong built, but rather lean. He was eight feet
high complete, and his hand measured one foot four
inches.
About the middle of December 1671, one Thomas
Birtles, a native of Cheshire, living near Macclesfield,
arfived at Coventry. He had been at London, and on
B B B 2 his
580 OBSERVATIONS ON GIANT'S,
his journey homewards, made a public shew of himself
for his extraordinary stature. His heignt was about
seven feet. His father was a man of rnoderaie stature,
and his mother iie:::ily six feet. He himself, at that
time, liad a daughter, about sixteen years of age, who
had aheady arrived at the height of six feet complete.
Iri the anatomical room of Trinity College, Dublin,
is preserved the skeleton of one Magrath, who was horn
near Cloyne. It measures between seven and eight feet.
This man was carried through various parts of Lurope,
and exhibited as the prodigious Irish giant; but such was
his e.^rly imbecility, both of body and mind, that he
died pf old age in his twentieth year. Concerning this
liiari, the following parciculavs are given by a very intel-
ligent writer. ^' In his infancy he became an orphan,
and was provided for by the fanious Berkeley, then
Bishop of Cloyne. This acute philosopher, who denie4
the existence of matter, was as inquisitive in his physi-
cal researches as he was whimsical in his metaphysical
speculations. When I tell you that he had well-nigh
put an end to his own existence, by experimenting what
are the sensations of a person dying on the gallows, you
will be the more ready to forgive him for his treatment
of this orphan. The Bishop had a strange fancy to
know whether it was not in the power of art to increase
the human stature, and this unhappy infant appeared to
him to be a fit subject for the trial. He made his essay
according to his pre-conceived theory, whatever it might
be, and the conscqueL)t;e was, that he became seven feet
high in his sixt^eptii ye^r."
Coricer.-;!- , the existence of a race of giants, the
learned h vc been greatly divided. Ferdinand Magel-
lan was the first who annoimced the discovery of such a
race of people on the coast towards the extremity of
South America. It appears that during one hundred
years.
OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS. 381
5«ears, almost all succeeding navigators agreed in affirm-
ing the. existence of a race of giants upon this coast ;
but during another century, a much greater number
agreed in de lying ttje iVxt, and treating their predeces-
sors as idle laDulists. Some time before the voyage of
Gomniodore Byron, in 1764, it v/as the subject of a
warm contest among men of science, whether a race of
mankind above the common stature did really exist oij
Ithe coast of Patagonia, and the contradictory reports
made by eye-witnesses terided greatly to perplex the
questioii.
M. de Bougainville who visited part of this coast, in
1767, asserts that the Patagonians are not gigantic, and
that what makes taeai appear so, is their prodigious
broad s'loulders, the great size of their heads, and the
thickn' -:ij of all their limbs.
Tha'. some giants inhabit these regions can, however,
no longer be doubted; since the fact is established by
the concurrenL tesriuioiiy of several English navigators,
particularly Commodore Byron, and Captains Wallis and
Carteret, the two latter of whom saw, conversed with,
and even measured tin.se people. Mr. Clarke who sailed
with (Jommodore Byruii, and who in the last voyage of
discovery succeeded, on the death of Captain Cook, to
the command of the two ships, addressed a paper to the
Secretary of the Ptoyal Society, confirming the gigantic
height of the Patagonians.
Byron gives the following account of this monstrous
people: —
** Just as we came to an anchor, I saw with my glass
a number of horsemen riding backwards and forwards.—
As I was very desirous to know what these people were,
-1 ordered out my boat, and went towards the beach with
Mr. Marshall, my second lieutenant, aiul a parly of men;
Mr. Cumming, my first lieutenant, following in the
six
382 OBSERVATIONS ON GIANTS.
six-oared cutter. When we came near the shore, we saw
about five hundred people, the far greater part of whom
M'ere on horsebaek. The}' drew up on a stony spot, and
kept waving and hallooing, which we understood to be
invitations to land. When we landed I drew up my peo-
ple on the beach, with my officers at their head, and or-
dered that none should move from that station, till I
should call or beckon to tbem. I then went forward
alone towards the Indians. I made signs that one of
them should come near, was understood, and one, who
as it afterwards appeared was a chief, came towards me.
He was of a gigantic stature, and seemed to realize the
tales of monsters in human shape. He had the skin of
some wild beast thrown over his shoiildcrs, and was
painted so as to make the most hideous appearance I
had ever beheld. Round one eye was a large qircle of
white, a circle of black surrounded the other, and the
rest of his face was streaked with ditTerent colours. I
did not measure him, but if I may judge of his stature
by my own, he could not be less than seven feet high.
When this frightful colossus came up, we muttered
somewhat to each other as a salutation, and I then
walked with him towards his companions. There wer«
among them many women; who seemed to be proportion-
ably large; and few of the men were less than the chief
who had come forward to meet me.
" Mr. Gumming then came up witlisome tobacco, and
I could not but smile at the astonishment which I saw ex-
pressed in his countenance, upon perceiving himself,
though six feet two inches high, become at once a pig-
my among giants. Our sensations upon seeing five hun-
dred people, the shortest of whom were at least six feet
six iii( lies high, and bulky in proportion, may easily be
imagined."
Mr. Clarlw, in the letter above alluded to, says, " We
were
©BSEKVATIONS ON «IAKTS. 3^5
were with tkem near two hours at noon day, though none
had the honour of shaking hands but Mr. Bvron and Mr.
Gumming; however, we were near enough and long enough
with them to convince our senses so far, as not to be ca-
villed out of the very existence of those senses at that
time, which some of our countrymen and friends would
■ absolutely attempt to do. They are of a copper colour,
with long black hair, and some of them are certainly nine
feet, if they do not exceed it. The Commodore, who
is very near six feet, could but just reach the top of one
•f their heads, which he attempted ou tiptoes, and there
were several taller than he on whom the experiment
was made. They are prodigiously stout, and as propor-
tionably made as ever I saw people in my life. Tlie wo-
jQien I think bear much the same proportion to the men
as our Europeans do. There w^as scarcely a man among
ihem less than eight feet, most of them considrrably
more ; Uie women I believe, run from seven and a half
to eight."
Notwithstanding these concurring testimonies, M. de
Buffon would not admit the existence of a race of giants,
which point is strenuously contended for by Lord Mon-
))oddo. That nobleman relates, that M. Guyot, Captain
«f a French ship trading to the South Sea, brought from
the coast of Patagonia, a skeleton of one of these giants,
measuring between twelve and thirteen feet, purposing
to bring it to Europe; but happening to be overtaken by
a violent storm, and having tlie Spanish archbishop of
Lima on board, the ecclesiastic declared that the storra
was caused by the bones of the pagan then on board,
and insisted on having the bkiKton thrown into the sea.
** The archbishop," adds his lordship, '' died soon after-
wards, and was thrown overboard in his turn. I could
bave wished that he had been thrown overboard sooner,
and then the bones of the Patagonian w wuld have ar-
rived
384 ADVENTURES OP JOHN METCALF.
rived safe in France, though I am persuaded they would
not have made BufFon alter his opinion^ but he would
have still maintained, that it was only ira accidental va-
riety of the individual, not any difference of the race."
I shall just observe, that if the ^^iccounts.of the English 1
navigators are at all to be depended upon, the opinions of
his lordship must undoubtedly be adopted in preference
to that of tl\2 celebrated French philosopher.
Interesting Particulars, and zconderfal ^idventures of that
extraordinary and eccentric character John Metcalf,
commonly called Blind Jack of Knaresboroughf xeith a
striking Likeness.
It has been jusHy remarked, that those who have the Misfortune to le
deprived of one sense, generally enjoy the others in greater perfection than
those who do not labour under such a deficiency. This we find strikingly
exemplified in the subject of the present article,, who, notwithstanding hia
eccentricities, has, during a great part of his long life, been an active and
useful member of society.
John metcalf was bom at Knaresborough in York-
shire, on the 15th of August 1717. At the age of four
years, his parents, who were labouring people, put hiin
to school, where he continued two years, when he was
seized with the small-pox, which deprived him of his
sight in spite of all the means that were employed for its-
preservation.
About six months after his recovery, he was able to go
from his father's house to the end of the street, and to
return without a guides and in about three years he
could find his way to any part of Knaresboiough. About
this period he begun to associate with boys of his own
age, among whom he acted a distinguished part in the
juvenile pranks of taking birds nests, robbing orchards,
&c.
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AbVEKtURES OF JOHN METCALP. S85
His father keeping horses_, he learned to ride, and 'm
a short time became a good horseman, a gallop being
his favourite pace. At the age of thirteen he was taught
music, in which he made great proficiency, though th«
cry of a hound or a harrier was more congenial to his
taste than the sound of any instrument. He kept a cou-
ple and a half of hounds of his own, ahd frequently
hunted with a Mr. Woodburn of Knaresborough, who
kept a pack, and was always very desirous of Metcalf's
company in the chace.
AVhen about fourteen years old, his activity, and the
success with which his exploits were usually attended,
led him to imagine that he might undertake any thing
without danger, and consoled him greatly for the want
of sight; but he was taught to regret that infirmity by a
severe wound he received in the face in consequence of
a fall into a gravel pit, while making his retreat from a
plumb-tree in which he had been surprized by the owner.
About this period, 1731, he learned to swim, and soon
became so very expert, that his companions did not
chuse to come near him in the water, it being his custom
to seize, plunge them to the bottom, and swim over
them by wa}' of diversion. In this year two men being
drowned in the deeps of the river Nidd, Metcalf was
employed to seek for their bodies, and succeeded ia
bringing up one of them.
A friend oF his named B-irker, having carried two
packs of yarn to Avash at that river, they were swept
away by a sudden swelling of the current, and carried
through the arches of the bridge, which stands on a
rock. A little below there is a piece of still water, sup-
posed to be ubout twenty-one feet in depth : as soon as
the yarn came to this place it sunk. Metcalf promised
his friend to recover his yarn, but the latter smiled at the
supposed absurdity of the attempt. He, however, pro-
VoL. H. c c c cured
S8^ ADVENTCKES OF JOHN MEtCAtf*
cured some long cart-ropes, fixed a hook at one en^^
and leaving the other to be held by some persons on the
High Bridge, he descended, and by degrees recovered
the whole of the yarn.
He continued to practise on the violin, till he was able
to play country dances. During the winter season he
performed as a wait at Knaresborough, with three
©thers; he likewise constantly attended the assemblies
which were held every fortnight, and went, be&ides, to
jiuiny other places where there was public dancing.
Notwithstanding this application, he found opportu-
nity for playing his neighbours a number of mischievoua
tricks, and for a long lime escaped suspicion. At length,
however, his expertne.ss became known, and when any
arch trick had been played, the first enquiry always was,
>vhere Metcalf was at the time,
Though his time was pretty well engaged, he still re-
tained his fondness for hunting, and also began to keep
game-cocks. Whenever he went to a cock-pit, it was
his custom to place himself on the lowest seat, near som«
friend wiio v»as a good judge, and who, by certain mo-
tions enabled him to bet, hedge, &c.
In 1732, he was invited to Harrowgate to play at the
assembly, as successor to a poor old man who had played
there for twenty years, and who, being borne down by
the weight of one hundred years, began to play too
slow for country dances. Here he was well received by
the visiting nobility and gentry. In this employment
he passed his evenings, and the mornings he spent in
cocking, hunting, and coursing. About tl)is period, also,
he bougiit a horse, and often ran him for small plates;
and his engagements increasing, he took a partner who
was likewise a good performer.
lu summer he often played at bowls, and singular as
it may seem, wa« frequently the winner j curds likewise-
begau
ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF. SS7
began to engage his attention, and he generally won tlie
majority of the games. But these atchievemepts were
far from being the hmits of his ambition or capacity,
for he now began to attend the races at York, and other
places ; at the race ground he commonly rode in among
the crowd, and was often successful in his bets, in which
he was however assisted by several gentlemen to whom
he was known.
Having once matched one of his horses to run three
miles for a considerable wager, and the parties agreeing
each to ride his own horse, they set up posts at certain
distances on the Forest Moor, describing a circle of one
mile; having consequently to go three times round the
course. From the supposition that Metcalf would be
unable tc. keep the course, great odds were laid against
him. His ingenuity furnished him with an expedient in
this dilemma. He procured a* many bells as possible,
and placing a man with one of them at each post,
was enabled by this ringing to Judge when to turn. By
these means, and the superior speed of his horse, he
came in winner, amidst the applause of all present, ex-
cepting those who had betted against him.
At different times he bought horses to sell them aa,ain,
which he often did with a large profit, so accurate was
his judgment.
In 1738, Metcalf attained the age of twenty-one;
he was then extremely robust, and six feet one inch and
a half in height. He about this time acquiicd consider-
able celebrity as a pugilist from the following circum-
stance. A friend of his being insulted in a public-house,
by a man of the name of Bake, who, from his ferocious
temper and great strength, was the general dread of the
neighbourhood, Metcalf bestowed on iuii; such discipline
as soon extorted a cry of mercy.
c c c iJ Retufn*rij
388 ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALE.
Returning one day on foot from Harrowgate, he had
proceeded about a mile, when he wab overtaken by a
Knaresborough man on horseback, who proposed for two
shilHngs worth of punch to let him ride in turn, dividing
the distances equally. To this Metcalf agreed, upon
condition that he should have the first ride, which his
townsman assented to, on these terms: that he should
ride a little beyond Poppleton Field, where on his right
hand he would see a gate, to which he should fasten the
horse. Metcalf however rode on to Knareshorough,
which was seventeen miles from the place where he left
his fellow-traveller. The latter was greatly enraged at
being obIi2;ed to vviilk so far, but Metcalf pleading in ex-
cuse that he never saw the gate, he found it his interest
to join in the laugh.
He was now in the prime of life, and possessed a pe-
culiar archness of disposition, with an uncommon flow of
spirits, and an unparalleled contempt of danger; and
though his conduct was long marked by a variety of si-
milar tricks, yet he afterwards planned and brought to
perfection several schemes, both of private and public
utility.
When the Harrowgate season was over, Metcalf always
remained a few days, and passed his evenings at one or
other of the different inns. At the Royal Oak, now the
Granby, he attracted the notice of the landlady's daugh-
ters, whose constant attention and kindness soon inspired
him with a reciprocal affection. Knowing, however,
that her mother would oppose their union, various suc-
cessful devices were employed to conceal their mutual
partiality, and frequent meetings. An event however
occurred which obliged Metcalf to quit not only the ob-
ject of his attachment, but likewise that part of the
country.
Among Metcalfs acquaintances were two young men,
whose
ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF* 389
whose sister lived with them as housekeeper. One even-
ing in her usual jocular way, she apprised Metcalf of her
intention to pay him a visit in the night, desiring him to
leave his door unlocked. Knowing the mirthful propen-
sity of this female, he was inclined to consider this i\s a
joke, but on the other hand he thought it possible that a
real assignation might be intended, and being too gallant
to disappoint a lady, he told her he would obey her or-
ders. The lady was punctual to her appointment, and
the consequence of her imprudence was evident in a few
months. She intreated Metcalf to marry her, but she
having made the first advances, he did not feel his con-
science interested, and refused. Her only resource was
to apply to the parish, which finding she had done, he
with some difficulty obtained a meeting with Miss Ben-
son of the Royal Oak, proceeded to Whitby, and went
on board an alum-ship bound to London.
After an absence of seven months, he retiu'ned to
Knaresborough, where he found the woman who had
been the cause of his journey comfortably situated, and
not inclined to trouble him; and he was also affectionate-
ly received by Miss Benson. During his absence a IMr.
Dickinson had paid his addresses to Miss Benson, and
now urged his suit with such ardour, that the banns were
published, and the wedding-day appointed to the no
small mortification of Metcalf, who thought himself se-
cure of her aflcction. Though he loved her tenderly,
his pride prevented him from manifesting his feelings,
or attempting to prevent the match.
On the day jMcceding that on which the nuptials were
to be solemnized, Metcalf riding past the Royal Oak,
was accosted with, " One wants to speak with you."
He immediately turned towards the stables of the Oak,
and there to his joyful surprize, he found the object of
]xi% love, who had sent her mother's servant to call him.
After
S90 ADVENTURES OP JOHN METCALF.
After some explanation, an elopement was resolved npon,
which Metcalf with the assistance of a friend, cft'ected
that night, and the next morning they were united. — ^The.
confusion of his rival, who had provided an entertain-
ment for two hundred people may easil}"^ he conceived.
Mrs. Benson being much enraged at her daughter's
conduct, refused either to see her or to give up her
clothes; nor was she reconciled to her till she was deli-
vered of her second child, on which occasion she stood
sponsor to it, and presented INIetcalf with twenty gui-
neas.
He now purchased a house at Knaresborough, and
continued to play at Harrowgate during the season. He
likewise set up a four-wheel chaise, and a one-horse
chair, for public accommodation, which were the first
of the kind kept there. These vehicles he kept two sum-
mers, but the innkeepers beginning to run chaises, he
relinquished that scheme, and with it racing and hunt-
ing. He then bought horses and went to the coast for
fish, wiiich he took to Leeds and Manchester, and was
BO indefatigable, that he would frequently walk for two
nights and a day, with little or no rest. But the profits
of this business being small, and the fatigue excessive,
he soon abandoned that likewise.
At the commencement of the rebellion in 1745, he ex-
changed his situation as violin player at Harrowgate, for
the profession of arms. This singular event was brought
about in the followinsr singular manner: —
William Thornton, Esq. of Thornville, having re^
solved to raise a company at his own expence, asked
Metcalf, who was well known to him, whether he would
join the company about to be raised, and whether he
knew of any spirited fellows likely to make good sol-
diers. Upon his replying in the affirmative, he was ap-
pointed assistant to aseijeant; aiul in two da}'s raised
one
Adventures of john metcali". SQi
one hundred and forty men, out of whom the Captain
drafted sixty-four, the number of privates he wanted.
^ With this compan}^, among whom was Metcaif as mu-
sician. Captain Thornton joined the army under Gene-
ral Wade. The first battle in which they were engaged,
twenty of the men, the lieutenant and ensign were made
prisoners, nnd Captain Thornton very narrowly escaped
\)y the kindness of the woman in whose house he had
taken refuge.
Metcaif, after a variety of adventures rejoined his pa-
tron, and was always in the field during the different en-
gagements which afterwards occurred, and after the bat-
lie of Culloden, returned to his family at Knaresborough,
Being again at liberty to chuse his occupation, he at-
tended Ilarrowgate as usual ; and having, during his
Scotch expedition, become acquainted with the various
articles manufactured in that country, and judging that
he might dispose of some of them to advantage in Eng-
land, he repaired in the spring to Scotland, and fur-
nished himself with a variety of cotton and worsted arti-
cles, for whicli he found a ready sale in his native coun-
try. Among a thousand articles he knew what each cost
him, from a particular mode of marking them. He alsp
dealt in horses, directing his choice, b}' feeling the ani-
mals ; and engaged pretty deeply in the contraband
trade, the profits of which were at that time much more
considerable than the risk.
In the year 17ol, he commenced a^ new employ, he
set up a stage-wuggon between York and Knaresborough,
being the first on that road, and conducted it himself
twice a week in the summer, and once in winter ; and
this business, with the occasional conveyance of army
baggage, employed his attention till the period for his
first Gonuacting for the making of roads; which suiting
fhim better, he relinquished every other pursuit.
:/■ . During
592 ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALP*
During his leisure hours, he had studied measurement
in a way peculiar to himself; and when certain of the
girth and length of any piece of timber, he was able
accurately to reduce its contents to feet and inches, and
could bring the dimensions of any building into yards
and feet.
The first piece of road he made was about three miles,
of that between Fearnsby and Minskip. The materials
for the wliole were to be procured from one gravel-pit ;.
he therefore provided deal boards, and erected a tempo-
rary house at the pit, took a dozen horses to the place,
fixed racks and mancrcrs, and hired a house for his men
at Minskip. He often walked from Knaresborough in
the morning with four or five stone of meat on his
shoulders, and Joined liis men by six o'clock. He com-
pleted the road much sooner than was expected to the
entire satisfaction of the surveyor and trustees.
Soon after this lie contracted for building abridge at Bo-
rough-bridge, which he completed with great credit to his
abilities. This business of making roads, and building
and repairing bridges in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derby-
shire, and Cheshire, he continued, with great success till
the year 1792, when he returned to Yorkshire.
In the summer of 1788, he lost his wife in the sixty-
first year of her age, and the fortieth of their union,
leaving four children. She was interred in the church-
yard of Stockport, in Cheshire, where she then resided.
In his treatment of his wife, Metcalf never forgot the
original difference in their circumstances, always in-
dulging her to the utmost that his ability would allow ;
but she had no wish beyond his power to gratify.
After some unsuccessful speculations in the cotton
trade, Metcalf returned to his native county, and for
want of other engagements, he bought hay to sell again,
measuring the stacks with his arms, and having learned
the
ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF. 393
tlie height^ he could readily tell what number of square
yards were contained in a stack of any value between
five and one hundred pounds. Sometimes he bought a
little wood standing, and if he could get the girth and
height, would calculate the solid contents.
In addition to the anecdotes already ^ivenof this sin2:u-
lar character, the reader will not be displeased to find the
following, which are of a nature equally extraordinary.
JNIetcalf had learned to walk and ride very readily
through most of the streets of York; and being once in
that city, as he was riding past the George, the landlord
called to him to stop, and informed him that a gentleman
in the house wanted a guide to Harrowgate, adding, '' I
know you can do as well as any one." To this proposal
Metcalf agreed, upon condition that his situation should
be kept secret from the gentleman who might otherwise
be afraid to trust him. The stranger was soon ready,
and they setoff, Metcalf taking the lead. When they
came to Allenton-Mauleverer, the gentleman enquired
whose large house that was on the right, to which Met-
calf replied without the least hesitation. A little farther
the road is crossed by that from Wetherby to Borough-
bridge, and runs along by the lofty brick wall of Aller-
ton Park. A road led out of the park opposite to the
gate upon the Knaresborough road, which Metcalf was
lifraid of missing; but perceiving the current of wind
that came through the park gate, he readily turned his
horse towards the opposite one. Here he was under
some difficulty to open the gate, in consequence, as he
imagined, of some alteration that had been made in the
hanging of it, as he had not been that way for several
months. Therefore, backing his horse, he exclaimed,
*' Confound thee, thou al\va3's goes to the heel of the
gate instead of the head." The gentleman observed
that his horse was rather aukward, but tkat his own
Vol. II. D D D " own
304 ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF.
mare was good at coming up to a gate, upon vhich
Metcalf cheerfully permitted hiin to perform that office.
Passing through Knaresborough, they entered the Forest
which was then uniuclosed, nor was there as yet any
turnpike road upon it. Having proceeded a little way
upon the forest, the gentleman saw a light, and asked
what it was. Metcalf took it for granted that his com-
panion had seen what is called a Will-o'-the-Wisp,
which frequently appear in a low and swampy spot, near
the road ; but fearful of betraying himself, did not ask
in what direction the light lay. To divert his attention
from this object, he asked him if he did not see two
lights, one to the right, the other to the left. The
stranger replied that he saw but one, on the right. —
*' Well then. Sir," says ]Metcalf, " that is Harrowgate."
Having arrived at their journey's end, they stopped at
the house now called the Granby, where Metcalf, being
well acquainted with the place, led both horses into the
stable, and then went into the house, where he found
his fellow traveller comfortably seated over a tankard of
negus, in which he pledged his guide. Metcalf tooj: it
of him very readily the first time, but the second time
he was rather wide of his mark. He therefore withdrew,
leaving the landlord to explain what his companion was
yet ignorant of.
The latter hinted to the landlord his suspicion that hi»
guide must have taken a great quantity of spirits since
their arrival, upon which the landlord enquired his rea-
son for entertaining such an opinion — " I judge so," re-
plied the traveller, '' from the appearance of his eyes" —
Eyes ! bless you Sir ! do not you know that he is blind r"
" What do you mean by that?" — ^^ I mean Sir, that he
cannot see?" — "Blind! gracious God!!" — "Yes, Sir,
as blind as a stone, by heaven!" — Tiie stranger desired
Metcalf to be called, and upon his confirming the land-
lord's
ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF. SQj
lord's account : " Had T known that," said he, ^' I would
nothave ventured with you for ahundved pounds." — ''And
I, Sir," said Metcalf, " would not have lost my way for
a thousand." — The services of the evening were reward-
ed with two guineas, and a plentiful entertainment the
next day by the gentleman, who considered this circum-
stance as the most extraordinary adventure he had ever
met with.
During Metcalfs residence in London, he found out
several gentlemen who were in the habit of visiting Har-
rowgate, and among the rest Colonel Liddell, Member of
Parliament for Berwick, who gave him a general invita-
tion to his house. This gentleman on his return from
London to the North, was accustomed to make a slay of
a h\y weeks at Harrowgate, and before his departure he
proposed to Metcalf to take him down, either on the
the top of his carriage, or behind it. Metcalf declined
the offer with thanks, assuring the Colonel, that he
could with ease walk as far in a day as he would chuse to
travel. They accordingly started on Monday at noon,
and he actually arrived at the end of every stage before
the Colonel, with whom he stopped during the night.
On coming to Wetherby, he, as usual, arrived at the Inn
before the Colonel, informing the landlord that he might
expect the latter. This being Saturday night, the Colo-
nel proposed halting at Wetherby till Monday, but
Metcalf continued his route to KnaresborouQ-h that
night, and on the Monday he met him, according to
promise, at Harrowgate.
Our hero happened once to be at Scriven, at the house
of one Green, an innkeeper, where two persons had a dis-
pute concerning some sheep, which one of them had put
into the penfold. The owner of the sheep, a townsman of
Metcalfs, appeared to be ill-treated by the other party,
who wished to take an unfair advantage. Metcalf per-
D D D 2 - ceiving
ceiving that they were not likeh' to agree about the da-
mages, departed. It being about midnight^ he resolved
■to do his friend a good turn before he got home. The
penfold being walled round, he climbed over, and laying
hold of the shee]) one after the other, he fairly threw
them over the wall. The difliculty of the undertaking
encreased as the number diminished, as they were not
so ready to catch ; but not deterred by that circumstance,
he fully completed the business. On the return of day,
when the penfold was found untenanted, though the
door was fast locked, a considerable degree of surprize
was excited, and various conjectures formed relative to
the rogues who had liberated the sheep, but Metcalf
passed unsuspected, and enjoyed the joke in silence.
Parsing once througli Hahfax, he stopped at an Inn
called the Broad Stone. The landlord's son, and some
others who frequented Horrowgate, having heard of
Metcalf's exploits, expressed a wish to play at cards whh
him. He complied, and a pack was accordingly sent
for, which he requested permission to examine; but as
the landlord was his friend, he could rely upon him, to
prevent any deceptioii. They began, and -Nletcalf beat
four of them in turn, playing for liquor only. Not satis-
fied with this, some of the company proposed to play
for money, and at shilling-wliist, Metcalf won fifteen
shillings. The losing party then proposed to pay double
or quit, but he declined playing for more than hali-a-
guinea points. At length yielding to their iinportuniry,
he engaged for guineas, and being favoured by fortune,
he won ten, and a shilling for liquor each game. The
loser taking up the cards, went out, and soon returned
with eight guineas more, which soon followed the other
ten.
Among the numerous roads which Metcalf contracted
to miike, was part of the Manchester road from Black-
Moor
ADVENTURES OF JOHN METCALF. 397
Moor to Standish-Foot. As it was not marked out, the
surveyor, contrary to his expectation, took it over deep
marshes, out oi" which it was tlie opinion of the trustees,
that it would he necessaiy to dig the earth till they
came to a solid hottom: This plan appeared to Metcalf
extremely tedious and expensive, and liable to other dis-
advantages. He therefore argued the point privately
with the surveyor, and several other gentlemen, but they
were all immoveable in their former opinion. At their
next meeting Metcalf attended, and addressed them in
the following manner: "^ Gentlemen, I propose to make
the road over the marshes after my own plan, and if it
does not answer, I will be at the expence of making it
over again after your's." — ^This proposal was agreed to.
Having engaged to complete nine miles in ten months,
he began in six different parts, having nearly four hun-
dred men employed. One of tiie places was Pule and
Standish Common, which was a deep bog, and over
which it was thought impracticable to make any road.
This he cast fourteen yards wide, and raised in a circu-
lar form. The water, which in many places ran across
the road, he carried olf by drains ; but he found th^
greatest difficulty in conveying stones to the spot on ac-
count of the softness of ihc ground. Those who passed
that way to Huddersfield Market, were not sparing of
their censure of the undertaking, and even doubted
whether it would ever be completed. Having, however,
got the piece levelled to the end, he ordered his men to
collect heather or ling, and bind it in round bundles that
they could span with their bauds. These bundles were
placed close together, and another row laid over them,
which they were well pressed down, and covered with
stone and gravel. This piece, being about half a mile
in length when compleated, was so remarkably fine, that
any person might have gone over in winter unshod without
being
) PERSONS RESTORED FROM DEATH.
being wet; and though other parts of the road soon af-
terwards wanted repairing, this needed no repairs for
twelve years.
Since his return to his native county, this extraordi-
nary man has resided at Spofforth, near Wetherby, Nvith
a daughter and son-in-law who keep his house.
In perusing the above account, we are at a loss whether
most to admire the wonderful versatihty of INIetcalfs ge-
nius, or the apparent facility with which he executed un-
dertakings, for which the faculty he was bereft of seems
absolutely indispensible. It is however probable, that,
had he possessed the blessing of sight, his intellectual
** powers would never have attained that degree of perfec-
tion, which the abstraction from external objects has
doubtless tended to promote.
Hxtr a ordinary and interesting Accounts of the Reiloration
to Life of Persons supposed to be dead.
M, MISSON, a French traveller, upon occasion of a
picture in the Church of the Aposiles at C|ologne, gives
the following account of the circumstance commemo-
rated in it: Reichmuth Adolch, the wife of a Counsellor
of Ccilogne, was supposed to have died of the plague,
which^ in 1571, swept away the greatest pare of the inha-
bitants of that city. She was therefore interred, with a
rina: of considerable value on her tino;er. The niirlit
flfter the funeral, the sexton opened the grave, with the
design of taking away the ring. His astonishment may
be more easily conceived than described, when he felt
something grasp his hand, and when the good lady laid
fast hold of him, and exerted herself to get out of the
coffin. He however disengaged himself, and fled with
the utmost precipitation. Tlie woman thus providcn-
tialiv
PERSONS restohed from death. 399
tially raised from the dead, quitted her disagreeahle
mansion, and proceeding to her own home, knocked at
the door. She called one of the servants by his name,
and related the circumstance as briefly as possible, that
she might not be suliered to languish at the door ; but
the servant treated her as a phantom. He however run
in a fright to acquaint his master, who, equally incredu-
lous, called him a madman. The poor woman, mean-
while, stood shivering in her shroud, waiting for admit-
tance. At length the door was opened for her, and by
means of proper treatment, she was restored to perfect
health, and afterwards had three sons who were clergy-
man. She lived with her husband in great credit seve-
ral years after this deliverance, and at her death, was in-
terred near the gate of the church of the Apostles, where
a monument was erected to her. In memory of the
above extraordinary event, a large picture was placed
over her grave, on which the stor}' is pourtrayed, and a
relation of it annexed in German.
It is evident that this story has given rise to the popular
tradition relative to a monument near the Communion
Table, in St. Giles's Cripplcgate, which, however is
merely the monument of a young female half out of her
coffin, intended to represent the resurrection.
Among other circumstances of a similar nature, the
same author introduces the history of Frangois de Ci-
ville, a Norman gentleman, who, according to his own
expression, was " thrice dead, thrice interred, and thrice
by the grace of God restored to life." The mother of
Civille having died during pregnancy, in the absence of
her husband, was interred without any means being em-
ployed to save the child. The day after tlie funeral her
husband arrived ; he heard with surprize of his wife's
death, and the little care that had been taken to preserve
his offspring. He had her taken up, and by means of
tbe
400 I»ERSONS RESTORED FROM DEATH*
t\xe Caesarean operation, a living child was extracted
from her. This child was Francois de Civille, who at
the age of twenty-six years, was captain of a company
of one hundred men in the city of Rouen when it was
besieged by Charles IX. Being mortally wounded at
the conclusion of an assault, and having fallen from the
rampart into the ditch, some pioneers after stripping him
of his clothes, threw him into a grave, together with
another dead body, and covered him slightly with earth.
Here he remained from eleven o'clock in the morning
till half past six in the evening, when his servant came
and dug him up. This faithful domestic, embracing the
body of his master, perceived some signs of remaining
life, and carried him to the house in which he used to
lodge. There he lay five days and five nights without
speaking, stirring, or shewing any sign of sense, but as hot
from a fever as he had before been cold in the grave.
The city being taken by assault, the servants of an officer
of the victorious army who was to lodge in the house
where Civille was, threw him on a bundle of straw in a
back room, where being found by some of his enemies,
they threw him out of the window. He fortunately fell
upon a dunghill, where he lay in his shirt more than
three days and nights. Being then discovered by one of
his relations, who was surprized to find him alive, he re-
moved him to a place of safety about a league from
Rouen, where he perfectly recovered from the injuries
he had received.
The following cxtraordinar}' narrative is related by M.
Bruhier, in his '^ Dissertation on the Uncertainty of
the signs of Death."
Two tradesmen of the Rue St. Honore at Paris, con-
nected by the most intimate friendship, of equal fortune,
and following the same business, had each a child, one a
son, and the other a daughter, nearly of the same age.
The
PERSONS RESTORED TO I.irE* 401
The first sentiments that taught the girl that slie had a
heart, convinced her at tlie same time th;it it helcnged
to the youth, who was equally attached to her. This re-
ciprocal inclination was strengthened hy their frequent
mutual visits with the approbation of their parents, who
observed with pleasure that the sentiments of their chil-
dren accorded so completely with their own intentions.
Their marriage was on the pointof being celebrated, when
tiie whdle plan was destroyed by a rich banker, who de-
manded the young lady for his Vv'ile. The temptation of
a much more brilliant fortune, suddenly changed the sen-
timents of her parents. Notwithstanding the repugnance
to the match which their daughter testified, she, how-
ever, yielded to the intreatiesof those to whom she owed
her existence, married the banker, and, like a virtuous
woman, forbade the young man whom she loved, licr pre-
sence for ever. The melancholy into which she was
plunged by the fatal engagement she had contracted,
brought on a disorder which overpowered her senses in
such a manner, that she was supposed to be dead, and was
accordingly interred.
The lover was not the lust to be informed of the me-
lancholy fate of his mistress. Recollecting that she had
formerly experienced a violent attack of lethargy, he flat-
tered himself that her present situation might be nothing
more, and this idea not only suspended his grief, but
made liim resolve to bribe the sexton, with wliose assist-
ance he took the deceased from her tomb, and carried
her to his own house. lie instantly employed every kind
of means to restore her to life, and had the inexpressible
happiness to find thejn attended with success.
It is easy to conceive how great was the astonishment
of the lady, when she I'ound herself in a strange house,
when she beheld her lover by the side of her bed, and
was acquainted with all that happened during hgr lethar-
Vol. II. E E E gic
402 PERSONS RESTORED TO LII E.
gic Stupor. She felt the magiiitiide of the debt she owed
to her deliverer; the love she had continued to entertain
for him was the most powerful advocate. She recovered,
and thinking that her life belonged by right to him who
had preserved it, they went to England, where they
lived several years in the most affectionate union.
Being inspired, at the end of ten years, with a desire of
revisiting their native land, they returned to Paris, and
took no precaution to disguise themselves, under the per-
suasion that no one could possibly suspect what had hap-
pened. By mere accident the banker met his wife in a
public promenade. The sight of her made such a power-
ful impression on him, that the persuasion of her death
could not erase it. He contrived to join her, and not-
withstandinjj the lanijnafje she held in order to deceive
liim, he left her more than })ersuaded that she was really
the woman whose loss he had mourned.
The strangeness of the circumstances having given the
woman charms which she had never before had m the
eyes of the banker, he discovered her residence at Paris,
in s})ite of the precautions she had taken to conceal it^
and preferred a judicial claim to her person.
In vain the lover urged the rights which he had ac-
quired b^' his cares to his mistress, in vain he represented
that had it not been for him, she must have died ; that
his opponent had divested himself of all his rights bj
interring her, that he might even be accused of homi-
cide for having neglected to take proper precautions to
ascertain her death; in vain he advanced a thousand other
reasons furnished by ingenious love. Finding that the,
court inclined to the opposite side, he resolved not to
wait for the termination of the cause, but repaired with
his mistress to a foreign country, where they ended iheir
lilays in peace.
C'esaricusis relates a story of a rohber who had been
hanged,
PERSONS RESTORED TO LITE. 403
hanged; soon after \vr\icb, the servant of a Canon of
Cologne passed by the gallows. Perceiving a palpita-
tion, lie was toueiied with compassion, cut the cord, and
Revived his patient wich some cold water procured from a
neighbouring brook. The robber gradually recovered his
strength, accompanied his deliverer, who was going to
the next town, and, while conversing with him, he caught
hold of the bridle of his horse, crying out the horse
belonged to him, and that the servant had stolen the
beast from him. This dispute attracted a great crowd,
who in the indignation with which they were inspired,
without hearing what the young man had to say in his
justification, dragged him towards the gallows from
which he had so lately released his accuser. Fortunate-
ly some of the inhabitants of the next town observing
the concourse of people proceeding towards the place of
execution, which belonged in common to both towns,
approached to see what was the matter. The servant be-
ing then allowed to speak, related his adventure, and the
manner in which he was rewarded for his kindness to the
robber. The latter being recognised, was again tied up
to the gallows, v/here hd paid the just forfeit for his
crimes.
About the year l683, a miller in the vicinity of Abbe-
ville, passing near the place where a robber, who had
been hanged the preceding day, was exposed, imagiaed
that he was not dead. An emotion of compassion pro-
duced a desire of ascertaining the truth of his suspicion,
which was well founded; he took him down with the as-
sistance of his carman, put him into his cart, and took
him home. His endeavours to restore him to life were
crowned with such success, that in a fortnight his new
guest had recovered his perfect health. He intended to
dismiss him with a sum of money, but unfortunately he
neglected too long to execute this design, and one Sun-
E E E 2 day
404 DREADFUL ACCIDENT,
dny left him alone in the house. The wrcrcli forgetting
what he owed to his deliverer, took advantage of the op-
portunitv, broke open a chest of drawers, and carried
oif all the plate and cash he could find. The miller
upon his return perceived that lie was robbed, and had
no great difficult}' to guess by whom, when he discovered
that his patient had disappeared. He pursued the robber
with his two sons and his carman. They overtook him
about a league from the spot, and immediately carrying
him back to the gibbet from which he had been released,
they hung him up again, and pulled his legs with such
violence as to prevent the repetition of similar crimes.
The king's attorney for the bailiwick of Ab!)cville being
inYormed of the circumstance, directed the miller and
his accomplices to be taken into custody. They were
however advised to abscond, till they should obtain
the king's 'permission to return. The letters of rccal
granting this permission were prepared by M. Guiiain,
secretary to the king, by whose son and grandson this
circumstance was communicated to M. Bruhier.
DREADFUL ACCIDENT, AND WONDERFUL PFvLSERV ATION
AT MILE-END.
A CALAMITY threatening more dreadful consequences
to the lives of those involved in it, and yet productive of
less personal injury than that which on the \6ih. of July
1804 happened in Duke Street, Mile F.nd New Town, ^
has rarely occurred. The foundation of two very old
houses. No. So and 34, gave way, and the wretched in-
habitants, consisting of eight poor families, were buried
in the ruins. The time rendered this event more awful
and distressing; jt was about half past six in the morn-
ing, and the individuals were only awoke from sleep by
the destructive crash of both houses, which, falling at
the
-AND MONDElirUL r RESER V ATIOX. 405
iV.e same time, thiecUeiicd to cover them in one 2;rave.
*riie fronts of both houses fell into tlic; street, but the p'ar-
ty wall between remained standing; the beams which
supported the floors likewise remained without falling;
but the roofs, floors, joists, &c. lell into the cellar. The
alarm in the neighbourhood, occasioned by the tremen-
dous noise of the descending ruin, was sudden, and those
who rushed to the spot at first imagined the premises to
be on fire, as clouds of dust, which had the appearance
of smoke, veiled the true calamity. A scene, however,
soon presented itself that left no time for delay. The
unfortunate victims were heard to utter the most doleful
groans, and supplicate for assistance from beneath
the ruins, and the neighbours with the utmost ala-
crity flew to their relief. They began by removing the
upper beams and heavy timber, and listening with atten-
tion whence the voices issued, they released no less than
thirty-six persons from their painful siluations; niost of
them were naked, and many of them bruised in a dread-
ful manner; but, astonishing as it may ap[>car, not one
life was lost, nor any bones broken.
The following is a list of the sufferers :
No. 33. — Groundfloor, Mrs. Jones and her twochildren.
In the one pair front, Mr. Foster and two children. —
Back room ditto, ]SIrs. Lambert and daughter.
Second floor front, Mrs. Lonnon and child. — Ditto
back, Mrs. Shepherd and daughter.
Third floor, lloyston, Vv-ife, and son.
No. 34. — Ground floor, William Box, wife, and tliroe
children.
One pair front. Tiffin, wife, and three children.
Ditto back. Nightingale and wife.
Two pair, Eagle (a sailor with one arm) and wife.
Ditto back, Mrs. Dormer, aged 95 years, being seven
months bedridden, who was also taken to the workhouse,
without
405 DrxT-ADFrL AcncENx, &:c.
without receiving tlie smallest injury; and a Mrs. Har;-
kins, aged 74, who hved with her in the same room, like-
wise unhurt. The wife of Eagle, a sailor, had her hreast
and shoulder much torn.
It was nearly twelve o'clock hefore the last was dug
out of the ruins. One very remarkable circumstance
was^ a child of about six months old, after beiug above
three hours buried in the rubbish, when taken out naked,
and cleaned from the dust, smiled in the face of his de-
Jiver. — The feelings of nature manifested by different in-
dividuals on the occasion, are not unworthy of notice:
One woman when rescued, exclaimed, " A\'hcre are my
three children:" Box, the tenant of one of the houses,
on being taken out, asked for his wife atid children ; and
being told they were missing, resolutely rescued them
himself though much wounded. Anotlier person named
Tsicholson, after having escaped, supported a piece of tim-
ber in the most perilous situation, until his wife got out;
after which the whole mass again gave way, and he was
dreadfully wounded about the head and breast before he
couldbe extricated. A woman who was delivered of a child
the da}- before, received very little injur3\ The unfor-
tunate sufferers were conveyed, within one hour after the
accident, to the London Hospital and parish work-house.
The bruises experienced by these poor people were but a
part of their misfortunes: their small stock of cloaths
and property, was either pillaged or destroyed, and many
of them were scarcely left in possession of sufficient to
cover them.
The volunteers remained on duty the whole of the day.
A Colonel of the ninth Loyal London Volunteers arrived
there about eleven, and set a laudable example, by
making a collection for the unhappy sufferers. He put
ll. 8s. fid. into the hands of Mr. John Gilbert, landlord
of the Halifax Head, who is one of the churchwardens
of
REMARKABLE TREESj &C. 407
f the parish, for their use and coniForc. Jones, who is
a Custom-house officer, was out on duty, and arrived in
sight ot" liis house just in time to see it iall.
The houses were originally huilt of" old materials, and
had stood thirty-eight years. The surveyor of the district
as well as the landlord of the premises, gave notice to the
inhabitants, some weeks before to quit, as their lives
were not thought safe; and several of the poor sufi'crers,
in consequence of that advice, had looked out for dwel-
lings to remove to; but, failing of success, were under
the necessity of remaining where they were.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND WONDERFUL,.
MUSEUM.
Sir,
I have transmitted you the following- Memorandums of remarkable Trees,
the produce of tliis Country, wliich I think merit preservation in j-our Mis-
cellany; and as I have not seen any descriptions of the like nature in it,
they will (I flatter myself) add to tiie pleasing variety of your very interest-
ing Museum, and at the same time prove acceptable to the admirers of
the singular productions of nature. If agreeable, I purpose sending a con
tinuation of them for some future number of the Scientific Magazine.
Your Humble Servant,
Nottingham, Juhj 1S04. D. B L.
1 HERE is not perhaps at present, in this country, such
an elm as was, in the year 1674, cut down in the park of
Sir Walter Bagot in Staffordshire. The particulars re-
corded in the family are, that two men were five days in
felling it; it measured 40 yards to the top in length; the
st©ol was 15 yards 2 feet in circumference ; 14 loads were
broken in the fall, 48 loads were contai;ied in the top ;
there were made out of it 80 pair of naves for wheels,
and 8660 feet of boards and planks. It cost, at a time
when labour was much lower rated than at present, lOl.
7s. for sawing. The whole substance was computed to
weigh 97 tons. In May 176O, an oak was felled near
Ludlow in Shropshire,, the contents of which were as fol-
low:
408 ACCOUN'T or MR. DANIEL LAMBERT.
low : viz. SG tons of timber, 42 cords of wood, 200 park-
pales, and four cords and a half of brackets. A bough
broke off before the treC was felled, which wtighed
seven tons and a half. Two men were employed a
month in stocking it. Tiie treee was valued at 250l.
In March 1800, an ash-tree was cut down at Brough-
ton-llall, near iJliipton, which contained upwards of oOO
feet of sound wood. The bole was IS feet long, squared
3 feet 9 inches, and contained 1,S2 feet of wood.
Dimensions of a iir tree called the Duke, cut down in
Sej)tembcr 1801, in his Grace the Duke of Gordon's
wood, of Glenniore, by the Kingston Port Company ; —
Length in bole 52 feet.
Fec-t.
Measured at jiine feet from the root, 09^ square inches, is 931
Ditto at 33 foet from ditto, 28^ ditto 182^
I)itto at 42 feet, 19 ditto 25
Ditto one branch, 15 by 19 inches square 5~^
Ditto, ditto 12 by li ditto Ifii
Fi-ct 337
or, 9 tons, at 5l. per ton, is 4il. The tree was 370
years old, wa^ perfectly sound, excepting a little at the
top, and at the small end of the branches. It was cut
down in three hours, by two Hi^ghland lads 18 ye(M*s of
age.
Some Account of Mr. Daniel Lambekt, o/Leicestef,
supposed to be the heaviest Man in England. j^
Mr. DANIEL LAMBERT, of wh6m we have annex-
ed an engraved Representation, taken from life, may
justly be considered one of the greatest prodigies at pre-
sent existing in this country. He is about thirty-six
years of age, of the common stature, being about five
ieet, seven or eight inches in height, and has attained
the enormous weight of forty-nine stone twelve pounds,
which is about half a hundred weight heavier than the
celebrated
i
M^I])AMI]E]L I^AIMjBjEMT of Leicestoj'.
AGCOUNTOF MU. DANIEL LAMBERT. 409
celebrated Bright of Maiden in Essex, whose waistcoat
was so capacious, that seven men might be buttoned up in
it. When seated, his thighs are so covered by his bell}'',
that nothing but his knees are to be seen ; while the flesh
of his legs, which resemble staffed pillows, projects in
such a manner as nearly to bury his feet. Notwithstand-
ing his extreme obesity, liowever, those who have seen
this remarkable man, declarethat his body and hinbs
from head to feet bear a very exact proportion to each
other.
In his situation of keeper of the Bridewell at Leices-
ter, Mr. Lambert evinces a humane and benevolent dis-
position. He is an intelligent man, reads much, and
possesses great vivacity.
Till within the last three years, Mr. Lambert was very
active in all the sports of the field, and though his exces-
sive corpulence now prevents him from partaking in them,
he still keeps dogs to which he is extremely attached.
He was likewise noted as an excellent swimmer, and as a
celebrated feeder of cocks.
The following anecdote is related of ^im : — Some
time since a man with a dancing bear, going througli
the town, one of Mr. Lambert's dogs taking a dis-
like to his shaggy appearance, made a violent attack
upon the defenceless animal. Bruin's master did not fail
to take the part of his companion, and, in his turn, begaa
to belabor the dog. Lambert being a witness of the tiay,
hastened with all possible expedition from the seat or
settle (on which ho makes a practice of sitting at his own
door,) to rescue his dog. At this moment the bear, turn-
ing round suddenly, threw down hisimwieldy antagonist,
who from terror, and his own weight, was absolutely
unable to rise again, and with difficulty got rid of his
formidable opponent.
Mr. Lambert much dishked to let his weight be known.
Vol. IL f r f and
410 FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEdN.
and frequently objected to being weighed for that pur-
pose. Going, however, onedayto a cocking match at
Loughborough in a carriage, into which he was obhged
to get sideways ; by a preconcerted plan of some of
his friends, he was taken o\ier a weighing machine^ and
thus, to his no small mortificatioHj it was ascertained
with the utmost facility.
We understand that, as it has lately been resolved to
transfer the business of the Bridewell to the county goal,
Mr. Lambert is about to retire from a situation in which
he has given such satisfaction, that the tovvn of Leicester
has voted him a pension.
Farther Account of the Cameleo.v, coyitaining a Correc-
tion of several vulgar Hrrors; zcith Experiments on the
Zi^onderful Properties of that animal, hy M. Golbery.
1 OWARDS the end of the year 1786, I made a collec-
tion of several cameleons, of all sizes and ages, and I
derived pleasure from observing them with attention.
The first object of my curiosity was the nature and va-
riety of colours whicli this animal was capable of assum-
ing; and I soon convinced myself that the cameleon
does not adopt the colours of the objects which surround
or cover it; that the changes to which its natural colour
is subject, are owing only to the painful affections which
this animal internally experiences, and of which it is
susceptible in a singular degree.
Its natural colour is that of the finest green emerald;
and this hue I always observed it to possess when in a
state of liberty, and perched like a parrot on the branch
of some young tree, ornamented with beautiful foliage,
among which it cannot be perceived or distinguished
without difficulty, no more than when it creeps or lies
carelessly among the verdant herbage.
At
FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEON. 411
At this time it is not only of the finest emerald green,
but it is likewise most healthy and corpulent. A state of
liberty, and the privilege of living among grass, or flou-
rishing trees, appeared to me two indispensable circum =
stances for maintaining the beautiful green colour of the
cameleon, as well as its general healthy appearance.
From the moment that the liberty and security of this
reptile were troubled or restricted, I could perceive alte-
rations in the freshness and brilliancy of its colour, and
in the plumpness of its whole body. W^hen I kept my
cameleons in a cage, and plagued or tormented them,
I saw that they laboured under anguish and rage, which
they expressed by expiring the air so strongly, that its
force became audible, soon after which these animals
grew lean, and their fine colour was tarnished. On con !
tinning to torment them, the dull green became a yellow
green and afterwards a yellow, spotted with red ; then
a yellow-brown, spotted with red-brown; next a brown-
grey, marked with hiack : at lehgth my cameleons adopt-
ed different shades, and became gradually thinner. These
were the only colours I could make them assume.
After I had thus tormented them, and kept them priso-
ners for several days, I used to set thcjn at liberty. I
conveyed them to the grass, or a tree, and notwithstand-
ing their black and meagre appearance, they resumed
their green colour and their corpulence.
I often wrapped my cameleons, in while, red, blue,
violet, purple, and green stufi's, in which 1 left them
whole days together, and on visiung my jMjor prisoners,
I found that they had assumed none of those colours, but
were always of a yellow green, dull yellow, or hlackish
grey, which are those they always assume when in dis-
tress or pain.
The skin of the cameleon is of a very fine and delicate
texture; it is extremely soft and cold to the touch, and
¥ I- V 'Z when
412 FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEO".
wlicn observed with a magnifying glass of considerable
power, on tlie living animal, it appeared like a shagreen.
But though so very tine and supple, it is not glossy; yet
the little points or eminences upon it may be said to be
imperceptible, as tliey can scarcely be distingvishcd by
the naked e^'C. it is exceedingly tenacious, and posse.->se3
a great portion of elasticity as well as the faculty of ex-
panding and contracting to a considerable degree.
It is doubtless to this contexture of the skin, that we
must attribute the faciUty with which the cameleon
changes its colour, according to the degree of dilatation
or contraction which it undergoes ; and it is equally cer-
tain that those sudden ch;ingcs in the animal which asto-
nish us so much, are derived from the same cause.
The cameleon however possesses a much more extraor-
dinary faculty than the changing of colour, that of di-
lating and contracting itself at pleasure, I'he cause of
its expansion is the air wiiieh it inspires: for this air does
not remain in its breast, stomach, or intestines, but pe-
netrates through every gart of its bod}' so generally and
completely that its whole frame is filled, even to the ex-
tremities of its feet and tail, as well as its eyes, which are
then more full and projecting.
This facility of imbing air must be very great, be-
cause I observed my cameleons, after being several di^ys
in a declining or decaying state, recover their flesh, and
re-expand to the utmost degree in a short space of time ;
and I have likewise seen them remain fat and bloated for
a fortnight together, soon after which they become so
contracted, as apparcnil}' to be nothing but skin and
bones.
But it must not be imagined, that in its state of health
the eamcloon merely resembles a skin filled with air; on
the contrary, it appears fat, and its flesh is naturally dis-
tj-ibuted over cverv part of its bodv.
in
f ARTKER ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEON. 413
In its last degree of contrac tion, when tl.is ai)inuil has
ahuost entirely voided its air, and retains only the c|uan-
tit}^ necessary for tlie preservation of its vital faculties,
the extreme leaiincs;- of its hudy is astonishing; and it
appears extraordinary, that when the animal moves, or
in particular ulien it turns, it resembles an empty sack
that has been twisted up.
\V'^ishing to ascertain to what degree the cameleon is
capable of carrying the laeulty attributed to it, of living
upon air, and existing a length of time without eating;
at the end of the year 17S6, at Isle St. Louis, in the Se
negal, I subjected my cameleons, being seven in number,
and in a state of perfect health, to the experiments which
I \Yished to make and describe.
I inclosed five of these animals in separate cages of
iron wire, which were covered with a very fine gauze,
hilt of such a close texture, that no insect could pass
through it. I suspended my cages by means of cords
and pullies to the ceiling of my chamber ; the cords of all
these little prisons being tied together, and phiccd in a
wooden box that was fixed to the wall and locked. With
this precaution, 1 was sure that nobody could let down
my cages, that my cameleons could receive no food, and
that they were condemned to the most perfect abstinence.
I numbered my cages with the figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
,It was on the first of November that 1 began my expe-
riments ; I visited my unfortunate prisoners, who were
destined to perish of hunger, four times in every twenty-
four hours. In a few days they became meagre, and
turned to a blackish grey colour, which was a certain
sign of their distress; but having arrived at a great degree
of leanness, they renuiined in the same state for the space
of a month, without my being able to perceive that they
sulfered any very evident diminution of their strength.
The cages in which I had confined them were fifteen
inches
414 FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CAMELEON.
inches high, and were crossed by little sticks in the mid-
dle, like the perches in bird-cages.
Whenever I letdown my cages, for fbe purpose of ob-
serring ray cameleons, they opened their mouths, and
expired the air strongly at me ; these expirations were
Yery perceptible, and could be distinctly heard.
During the first six weeks, my prisoners moved about
their cages, from the top to the bottom. In the morning
I generally found them at the top, but after the abovc-
joentioned period, I remarked that they did not ascend
so high ; and in short, at the end of two months, they
no longer quitted the bottoms of their cages ; their lean-
ness became extreme, their weakness and languor were
very perceptible, their skin was almost black, and I ob-
served a heaviness in the motion of their eyes. They,
however, retained the faculty of swelhng themselves up,
but only to about half their usual size; their bodies were
never filled, and speedily became contracted.
Ky the hrst daj' of January, they had arrived at such
a degree of leanness, that they were nothing more than
animiitcd skeletons, and I was convinced they could not
long exist. Nevertheless No. 3 which died first, did not
expire till the CBth of January; No. 1, died on the SOih
of the same month ; No. 4, expired in the night of the
33th of February, and No. o withstood the punishment
of hunger till the 23d of February, on the morning of
which day it fell a victim. No. 2, continued alive on the
24th of February, but was so feeble and exhausted, that
I believed it to be near the period of its existence ; I was
then inclined to release it, without, however, hoping tluit
it could live. It had subsisted upon air three months,
and twenty-four days at the lime I delivered it from im-
prisonment. I took it to the garden, where 1 set it at li-
bertv, and in a fortnight it had acquired colour and
strength, and even beG:un to re-fill itself.
SfArthkr account of the cameleon* 41-5
On the 30th of March, it was of a green colour, but
still pale, and had perfectly recovered the faculty of ex-
|>ansion. Its health and strength appeared to me to be
entirely restored in the month of April; but towards the
end of that month it escaped, and my endeavours to find
it were unsuccessful, so that I was not able to ascertain
whether the health of my cameleon was really and com-
pletely re-established ; but doubtless the long abstinence
which it underwent must have abridged the duration of
its life.
It now remains for me to notice the eyes of the came-
leon, which arc covered with a membrane, that serves
instead of eye-lids. This membrane is like a case, perfo-
rated in the middle by a longitudinal hole, about a line
wide in the largest part. Through this orifice the ani-
mal sees and exposes to view a brown pupil, bordered by
a small gxDld circle, and extremely biiglit and shining. —
This case possesses the faculty of following all the mo-
tions of the eye, in wbieh respect it differs entirely from
the common organization of the eye-lids of otlier ani-
mals, in the present case the motions of the eye-lid so
exactly correspond with those of the eye, that they are ab-
solutely one, and the same ; and in all the motions tlie
little aperture of the eye-lid answers in every rcr.pect to
the central point of the pupil. But what is still more
singular, and I believe peculiar to this animal is the fa-
culty of moving its «yes> in every possible direction, and
wholly independent of each other. The cameleon moves
one of its eyes, while the other remains motionless; with
one he looks before, and with the other behind, or one
is turned up towards the sky, while the other looks down
at the ground. These contrary motions are executed to-
gether with a prodigious rapidity, or alternately with still
more astonishing quickness ; and they are carried to such
a degree, that the pupil even passes under the projection
whicli
416
DESCRTFTtON OF THE TERMITr:.
which serves for the eye-brow, and likewise buries itself
suddenly in the corner of the of bit; so that the animal
readily, and at the same time, discovers objects situated
both behind and before, widiuut in the least degree mov-
ing his head, v/hicli is oloselv confined to his shoulders.
These rapid evolutions give the animal the facility of
secinii; at once in every direction, and of constantly ob-
serving whatever passes around. The object of this con-
formation is doubtless the securify of the camcleon, and
to enable it to catch the small iusects and flies upon
•which it heds.
Description o/'//ic Termite, a curious J frican insect, and
Account of the wondei^fal Nests it constructs.
\Vf Lave lonj been taught to rca;aiil with adtniration the extraordinary
Industry, the amazing ingenuity, and the internal regulations and cccono-
my of the cominunwealtli of hees; but liere we find an insect whose labours
are not only far more wonderful than theirs, but compared with which the
tiiost celebrated laoauuicnts of human industry dwindle into insignificance.
1 HE Termite is found in almost all the western reorion*
of the African Continent, between Cape Bojador, and
Cape Blanco. Linnaeus describes this insect by the name
of Termcs, but it is commonly known by the denomina-
tion of the white ant. These little animals afford the ob-
server many subjects of astonishment. They effect, in a
moment, inconceival>le destruction, and erect monu-
ments of such prodigious magnitude and solidit}'^, that,
if compared with the extreme sinallness of the insects by
which they are constructed, thc}^ appear far more won-
derful than the proudest productions of human industry.
Of this kind of insects naturalists are acquainted with
four sjx'cies. The first is distinguished by the name of
the Belligerent Termite, and is the largest species. The
ncst3 of these animals are large handsome pyramids, fif-
teen or sixteen feet in height above the surface of the
earth
DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMITE. 41?
earth, and as many below it. The second species is the
Atrocious Termite, whose nests are likewise of a pyrami-
dal form, but neither so lofty nor extensive as the for-
mer. Its ravages, however, are more fatal, and its punc-
tures more painful and dangerous. The Biting Termite
forms the third species, and constructs its nest in the
form of a cylindrical turret, four feet high, and one in
diameter. The turret is covered with a conical roof
which projects some inches over, and beyond the build-
ing, the object of which is doubtless to prevent it from
being injured by rain. The fourth species is termed by
naturalists the Destroying Termite, and constructs sphe-
rical nests round the branch of a tree, which passes in-
tirely through them.
As the manners of all these species are nearly the
same, we shall confine ourselves to a more particular ac-
count of the first, which is in every respect the most
lemarkable.
The termites are divided into societies, each society
builds a nest, and each nest belongs to an innumerable
quantity of these insec>ts, who are subject to a king and
queen. These, like many other insects pass through se-
veral stages of existence before they arrive at the state of
a perfect animal.
The first state of the life of the termites, is that of
larvae, when the insect is not more than two jaus in
length. It is then of a white colour, has six ]eiis, three
on each side, a small head without eyes, antennae com-
posed of small globules joined together, and tapering to
the extremity, with small jaws. The larva; are chained
Tvith all the labour of building, and with the care of the
provisions, and it is they that reduce to an impalpable
powder the most enormous trees, and the strongest
pieces of timber. In tiiis state of the termite insect, it
would be the plague of Africa, if those extraordinary
Vol. II. o G c powers
418 ©ESCRIPTION OF THE TEKMITE,
powers of devastation with which these larvae are indued,
were not directed to a useful end.
These blind animals never attack green and healthy
woodj but only that which being in a state of decay,
tends but to impede vegetation, and the circulation of
the air in the vast forests of Africa. It is these larvae
which likewise devour the enormous animals that die in
the centre of those solitary forests, either of old age, by
accident, or of the wounds they receive in the battles that
continually take place between them. The putrid exha-
lations of these large carcases would probably infect the
continent of Africa, if the instinct of the termites did not
speedily effect their destruction.
The second state is that of the chrysalis. In this, as
in the former state, the insects are blind; the head is
larger, and is provided with long pointed jaws without
teeth. It is the chrysalids that are charged with all the
labour and the oeconomy of the nests ; it is they that
compel the larvae to work, and that construct all the in-
terior recesses in which the eggs are deposited. They
are likewise the nurses and the warriors of the commu-
nity. The larvae do not fight, nor are they armed for
battle; the chrysalids are therefore charged with the de-
fence of the state ; they repel external attacks, and op-
po^ic the daring invader of their peaceful habitations,
biting him with the utmost fury.
The termites, at length arrive at their perfect state,
when they have wings and fly off in innumerable quan-
tities. It is only in this third state that they are of diffe-
rent sexes, and are capable of propagating their species.
After the last transformation into winged insects, they
ure pursued with great avidity by the birds. Their wings
soon become dr}', they drop down, and cover the surface
both of the earth and waters. In some pans they are
collected by the negroes and eaten.
We
DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMITE. 419
We are not acquainted with the duration of the whole
life of the termite ; in its winged state it does not live
more than two days. Towards the evening of the second
da\' they lose their strength, and these little animals, so
active and industrious in the state of larva? and chrysa-
lids, hecome feeble, stupid, and incaptible of resisting
the s;nallest insects ; they suffer themselves to betaken
even by the ants, and to be dragged to their nests without
opposition.
All the winged termites however do not perish in this
dreadful destruction. The king and queen, whose busi-
ness it is to propagate their species are winged termites,
and some pairs of them, at the moment of the universal
ruin of the third class, are found by the larva?, and car-
ried off for the purpose of founduig new colonies. Be-
ing conveyed either to an old or newly constructed nrst,
they are there inclosed in a large cell, which is the royal
chamber or nuptial prison. They are fed by the larvae
and chrysalids, lose their wings, and pass their lives in
perfect indolence, being apparently destined only for the
propagation of their species. The length of the king
iiever exceeds four lines, but the queen grows to the com-
paratively enormous size of live inches.
Sparman asserts, that the queen lays sixty eggs in a
minute, which makes eighty-six thousand^ four hundred
eggs in twenty-four hours. Whether this process be
continued has not yet been ascertained ; but the infinite
multitude of termites that are every where seen in Africa,
, arc sufficient to induce a belief that the laying is perpe-
• tual.
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